The positive role of social networks and social networking technology in the condom-using behaviors of homeless young people.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of condom-using peers in the social networks of homeless young people, differences in behaviors were assessed based on the social location of ties (home-based vs. street-based) and how those ties are maintained (face-to-face vs. via social networking technology).


METHODS
"Ego-centric" social network data were collected from 103 currently sexually active homeless young people aged 16-26 years in Los Angeles, California. Associations between condom use and the condom-using behaviors of social network influences were assessed using standard logistic regression.


RESULTS
About 52% of respondents had a street-based peer who was a condom user. Having such a peer was associated with a 70% reduction in the odds of having unprotected sex at last intercourse. About 22% of respondents had a condom-using, home-based peer with whom they communicated only via social networking technology. Having such a peer was associated with a 90% reduction in risky sexual behavior and a 3.5 times increase in safer sex behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
The study revealed several implications for new human immunodeficiency virus-prevention interventions that mobilize these networks and social networking technologies.
Rice
Eric
E
University of Southern California, School of Social Work, Los Angeles, CA, USA. ericr@usc.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult