title: Diffusion of innovations and network segmentation: the part played by people in promoting health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to describe how diffusion of innovations theory can integrate mass media, interpersonal communication, and social network analysis. These principles can be used to implement and tailor data-based health promotion activities.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to develop a model for using and incorporating interpersonal communication into health promotion programs designed to encourage behaviors that reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/HIV.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a review of selected studies that exemplify how diffusion of innovations theory has applied interpersonal communication to promote STD/HIV preventive health behaviors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Few studies have incorporated interpersonal communication as an intervention strategy to encourage STD/HIV preventive behavior. Interventions that have used interpersonal communication have observed successes in health promotion and increases in safer sex behaviors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study shows that social network analysis can be used to design more appropriate and perhaps more effective health promotion programs.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Prevention Research, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Alhambra, California 91803, USA. tvalente@usc.edu
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Valente
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fosados
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012944:Social Support