The importance of social networks in their association to drug equipment sharing among injection drug users: a review
- 9 August 2007
- Vol. 102 (11) , 1730-1739
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2007.01936.x
Abstract
To examine the scientific evidence regarding the association between characteristics of social networks of injection drug users (IDUs) and the sharing of drug injection equipment.A search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Current Contents, PsycINFO databases and other sources to identify published studies on social networks of IDUs. Papers were selected based on their examination of social network factors in relation to the sharing of syringes and drug preparation equipment (e.g. containers, filters, water). Additional relevant papers were found from the reference list of identified articles.Network correlates of drug equipment sharing are multi-factorial and include structural factors (network size, density, position, turnover), compositional factors (network member characteristics, role and quality of relationships with members) and behavioural factors (injecting norms, patterns of drug use, severity of drug addiction). Factors appear to be related differentially to equipment sharing.Social network characteristics are associated with drug injection risk behaviours and should be considered alongside personal risk behaviours in prevention programmes. Recommendations for future research into the social networks of IDUs are proposed.Keywords
This publication has 82 references indexed in Scilit:
- Drug Sharing Among Heroin Networks: Implications for HIV and Hepatitis B and C PreventionAIDS and Behavior, 2005
- HIV risk behaviors in African‐American drug injector networks: implications of injection‐partner mixing and partnership characteristicsAddiction, 2002
- Routes of drug administration, differential affiliation, and lifestyle stability among cocaine and opiate usersJournal of Substance Abuse, 2001
- Social Influences: Living Arrangements of Drug Using Women at Risk for HIV InfectionWomen & Health, 1998
- Changes in the injecting risk behaviour of injecting drug users in London, 1990-1993AIDS, 1995
- Using social network analysis to study patterns of drug use among urban drug users at high risk for HIV/AIDSDrug and Alcohol Dependence, 1995
- The sharing of injecting paraphernalia among illicit drug usersAIDS, 1994
- Socially desirable responding and self‐reported HIV infection risk behaviors among intravenous drug usersAddiction, 1993
- The theory of planned behaviorOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 1991
- Dynamics and Control of the Transmission of GonorrheaSexually Transmitted Diseases, 1978