The positive role of social networks and social networking technology in the condom-using behaviors of homeless young people

Public Health Rep. 2010 Jul-Aug;125(4):588-95. doi: 10.1177/003335491012500414.

Abstract

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.

Conclusion: The study revealed several implications for new human immunodeficiency virus-prevention interventions that mobilize these networks and social networking technologies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Homeless Youth / psychology
  • Homeless Youth / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Los Angeles
  • Male
  • Peer Group
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data*
  • Social Support*
  • Young Adult