title: Internet use and the network composition of people living with HIV/AIDS in an urban area in Peru.
abstract: This study examines the association between Internet use and (1) the number of close ties (people with whom a person is closely acquainted), and (2) the percentage of HIV-positive individuals in the personal network of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in an urban area of Peru. Ninety-four PLHA responded to a survey; 72% were male, and the average age was 36.65 (SD = 7.92). Internet use was not associated with the number of close ties or with a greater number of close ties who are HIV-positive in one's personal network. Internet use was higher among those with greater than a high school education and females reported more social ties than males.
authors.affiliation: Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. pbusse@asc.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Busse
authors.forename: Walter H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Curioso
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010568:Peru; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult