The relationship between perceived discrimination and high-risk social ties among illicit drug users in New York City, 2006-2009.
Discrimination can influence risk of disease by promoting unhealthy behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol use). Whether it influences the formation of high-risk social ties that facilitate HIV transmission is unclear. Using cross-sectional data from a cohort of illicit drug users, this study examined the association between discrimination based on race, drug use and prior incarceration and risky sex and drug ties. Negative binomial regression models were performed. Participants who reported discrimination based on race and drug use had significantly more sex and drug-using ties. But, after accounting for both racial and drug use discrimination, only racial discrimination was associated with increased sex, drug-using, and injecting ties. Drug users who experience discrimination and subsequently develop more sex and drug-using ties, increase their risk of contracting HIV. Future longitudinal studies illuminating the pathways linking discrimination and social network development may guide intervention development and identify drug-using subpopulations at high risk for disease transmission.
Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, SPH1, Room 3642, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. ndcrawford@gmail.com
Natalie D
ND
Crawford
Chandra
C
Ford
Sandro
S
Galea
Carl
C
Latkin
Kandice C
KC
Jones
Crystal M
CM
Fuller
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D010465:Perception; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D063505:Racism / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000635:transmission; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D014504:Urban Health
D013287:Illicit Drugs