Large-network concepts and small-network characteristics: fixed and variable factors.
OBJECTIVE
To compare 15 completed network studies of STD/HIV transmission with regard to their structural characteristics. To determine similarities and differences in the network characteristics in different epidemiologic settings.


METHODS
Combined analysis of nearly 40,000 dyads, using epidemiologic and network analytic methods.


RESULTS
In general, transmitting networks have a right-skewed degree distribution, a large single component, and small world characteristics. They vary with regard to concurrency, assortativity, and transitivity.


CONCLUSIONS
The analysis suggests that networks in which transmission takes place have a common network infrastructure, but that the actual level of transmission may be determined by factors specific to a study population. Specific quantitation of the relationship between transmission and network characteristics will require an amalgam of empirical and theoretical methods.
Rothenberg
Richard
R
Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA. rrothen@emory.edu
Muth
Stephen Q
SQ
D016000:Cluster Analysis; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D012944:Social Support