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Upton EM, LaRocca J, Rudolph AE, Young AM, Havens JR. Examining the social and behavioral dynamics of substance use in a longitudinal network study in rural Appalachia. Addict Behav 2024; 156:108060. [PMID: 38735160 PMCID: PMC11181469 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have shown that individuals and their peers often have similar substance use behaviors, but the mechanisms driving these similarities - particularly in rural settings, are not well understood. The primary objectives of this analysis are to (1) identify factors that contribute to relationship turnover and maintenance within a rural network of persons who use drugs (PWUD), (2) determine whether assimilation and/or homophily shape participants use of injection drugs, heroin, and stimulants (methamphetamine and cocaine), and (3) assess the extent that these mechanisms influence networks ties and/or behaviors and whether these effects vary across time. METHODS Sociometric network data were collected from a cohort of PWUD in rural Eastern Kentucky at baseline (2008-2010) and at four follow-up visits conducted approximately semiannually. Stochastic actor-oriented models (SAOMS) were used to model network structure and participant behaviors as jointly dependent variables and to identify characteristics associated with the maintenance, dissolution, and formation of network ties and changes in drug use behaviors. RESULTS Findings suggest (1) greater network stability over time for reciprocal and transitive relationships, (2) both homophily and assimilation played a greater role in shaping injection drug use (IDU) initiation and cessation than they did in shaping heroin and stimulant use, and (3) the importance of these mechanisms appeared consistent over time. CONCLUSION Given the stability of particular network structures and evidence of both homophily and assimilation with respect to drug-use behaviors, interventions that leverage social networks could be used to motivate health-promoting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.
| | - Joseph LaRocca
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Methods for Assessing Spillover in Network-Based Studies of HIV/AIDS Prevention among People Who Use Drugs. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020326. [PMID: 36839598 PMCID: PMC9967280 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) interventions among people who use drugs (PWUD) often have spillover, also known as interference or dissemination, which occurs when one participant's exposure affects another participant's outcome. PWUD are often members of networks defined by social, sexual, and drug-use partnerships and their receipt of interventions can affect other members in their network. For example, HIV interventions with possible spillover include educational training about HIV risk reduction, pre-exposure prophylaxis, or treatment as prevention. In turn, intervention effects frequently depend on the network structure, and intervention coverage levels and spillover can occur even if not measured in a study, possibly resulting in an underestimation of intervention effects. Recent methodological approaches were developed to assess spillover in the context of network-based studies. This tutorial provides an overview of different study designs for network-based studies and related methodological approaches for assessing spillover in each design. We also provide an overview of other important methodological issues in network studies, including causal influence in networks and missing data. Finally, we highlight applications of different designs and methods from studies of PWUD and conclude with an illustrative example from the Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP) in Athens, Greece.
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Heaton B, Gondal N. Health-based homophily in public housing developments. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:238. [PMID: 36737700 PMCID: PMC9896682 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15146-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Public housing residents in the United States face disproportionately high risks for disease, presenting an urgent need for interventions. Evidence suggests interventions leveraging social networks can be successful when relationships are homophilous, as this leads to pooling of risk behaviors among interconnected alters. Yet, we know little about networks of public housing residents. To assess the feasibility of network-based interventions, we investigate the incidence of health-based homophily in public housing developments in Boston, Massachusetts. Employing multilevel models (HLM), we find that respondents report their own health characteristics to be similar to their network partners on oral health, weight, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods. We discuss the implications of our findings for health-based interventions in low-income communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Heaton
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research, Boston University Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, USA ,grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Neha Gondal
- grid.189504.10000 0004 1936 7558Department of Sociology and Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, Boston University, Boston, USA
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Upton EM, Rudolph AE, Ward PJ, Havens JR, Young AM. Extent and implications of omitted ties on network measures in a longitudinal social network survey of people who use drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 238:109554. [PMID: 35850026 PMCID: PMC9514791 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has revealed under-reporting of personal network members (i.e., alters) in studies involving people who use drugs (PWUD). This analysis (1) characterizes relationships that were more likely to be omitted but later recalled with prompting and (2) identifies network structural characteristics most impacted by these omissions among a sample of PWUD in rural Appalachian Kentucky, an epicenter of the opioid epidemic. METHODS Data were collected through longitudinal assessments as part of the Social Networks Among Appalachian People (SNAP) study (2008-2017). Study participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires that collected social network data via free-listing at baseline and six-month intervals. At visit 5, after free-listing, interviewers prompted participants with the names of previously reported alters. We used modified Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to identify individual- and relationship-level characteristics associated with an alter being reported only after prompting. We examined the impact of including vs. excluding relationships reported after prompting on local and global sociometric network measures (i.e., betweenness centrality, bridging, density, mean degree, transitivity, cliques, and 2-cores). RESULTS Relationships reported only after prompting were more likely to be immediate family (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [APR]:1.29; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.03-1.63) and less likely to involve sex (APR:0.54; 95% CI: 0.43-0.67). Considerable differences were observed for participant positional rankings of betweenness centrality and bridging, and differences in network density and average degree pre- and post-prompting were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Longitudinal network studies that aim to assess transmission dynamics, information diffusion, or peer influence should consider the effects of omitted relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Patrick J Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Biostatistics, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Young AM, Lancaster KE, Bielavitz S, Elman MR, Cook RR, Leichtling G, Freeman E, Estadt AT, Brown M, Alexander R, Barrie C, Conn K, Elzaghal R, Maybrier L, McDowell R, Neal C, Lapidus J, Waddell EN, Korthuis PT. Peer-based Retention Of people who Use Drugs in Rural Research (PROUD-R 2): a multisite, randomised, 12-month trial to compare efficacy of standard versus peer-based approaches to retain rural people who use drugs in research. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064400. [PMID: 35705346 PMCID: PMC9204453 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rural communities bear a disproportionate share of the opioid and methamphetamine use disorder epidemics. Yet, rural people who use drugs (PWUD) are rarely included in trials testing new drug use prevention and treatment strategies. Numerous barriers impede rural PWUD trial engagement and advancing research methods to better retain rural PWUD in clinical trials is needed. This paper describes the Peer-based Retention Of people who Use Drugs in Rural Research (PROUD-R2) study protocol to test the effectiveness of a peer-driven intervention to improve study retention among rural PWUD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The PROUD-R2 study is being implemented in 21 rural counties in three states (Kentucky, Ohio and Oregon). People who are 18 years or older, reside in the study area and either used opioids or injected any drug to get high in the past 30 days are eligible for study inclusion. Participants are allocated in a 1:1 ratio to two arms, stratified by site to assure balance at each geographical location. The trial compares the effectiveness of two retention strategies. Participants randomised to the control arm provide detailed contact information and receive standard retention outreach by study staff (ie, contacts for locator information updates, appointment reminders). Participants randomised to the intervention arm are asked to recruit a 'study buddy' in addition to receiving standard retention outreach. Study buddies are invited to participate in a video training and instructed to remind their intervention participant of follow-up appointments and encourage retention. Assessments are completed by intervention, control and study buddy participants at 6 and 12 months after enrolment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol was approved by a central Institutional Review Board (University of Utah). Results of the study will be disseminated in academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals, online and print media, and in meetings with community stakeholders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03885024.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kathryn E Lancaster
- Division of Epidemiology, Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Miriam R Elman
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ryan R Cook
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Edward Freeman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | | | - Rhonda Alexander
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Caiti Barrie
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kandi Conn
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rhody Elzaghal
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Lisa Maybrier
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Cathy Neal
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jodi Lapidus
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Elizabeth N Waddell
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Rudolph AE, Young AM. Privacy and Confidentiality Considerations for Collecting HIV Risk Network Data among Men who Have Sex with Men and Implications for Constructing Valid Risk Networks. SOCIAL NETWORKS 2021; 67:47-54. [PMID: 34712004 PMCID: PMC8547314 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies aiming to construct risk networks have historically collected network members' names, demographic characteristics and relational data (i.e., type, strength, duration, frequency of interaction, and HIV-related risk behaviors between the pair). Due to difficulties in constructing risk networks stemming from partner anonymity and the use of nicknames, some studies also collect network members' screen names, phone numbers, physical attributes, and scars/tattoos to assist with entity resolution. In-depth interviews with 20 men who have sex with men and transgender women in Kentucky assessed privacy/confidentiality concerns as well as accuracy/recall issues associated with providing these details. Most preferred providing alters' nicknames/first names only or a first name with the first letter of the last name. Many perceived screen names, phone numbers, and scars/tattoos to be too personal/identifying. Willingness to provide more detailed information varied by relationship type/strength, which could influence the validity of the resulting network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston MA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia PA
| | - April M. Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington KY
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington KY
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Rudolph AE, Upton E, McDonald MJ, Young AM, Havens JR. Peer influence of injection drug use cessation among dyads in rural eastern Kentucky. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 85:102604. [PMID: 31740176 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This analysis aims to assess whether injection drug use cessation among peers predicts injection drug use cessation among individuals and explores whether this association varies by relationship type and strength. METHODS Data were collected through baseline and 6-month assessments for the Social Networks among Appalachian People study (2008-2011). Interviewer-administered surveys collected sociodemographic and drug use behaviors (past 6 months and lifetime). Participants also listed sex, drug use, and social support partners (past 6 months). Listed names were cross-referenced with survey participants to identify relationships between study participants. The analytic sample was further restricted to include only those relationship pairs where both individuals reported a history of injection drug use at baseline (n = 244 unique individuals and 746 dyads). We fit a generalized estimating equations logistic regression model to (1) assess the relationship between peer injection cessation and individual injection cessation and (2) determine whether the strength of this association differs by relationship-level variables (i.e., relationship role, relationship type, relationship duration, frequency of interaction, residential proximity). RESULTS Overall, those with a network member who ceased injection drug use were more likely to stop injecting over the following 6-month period (AOR=1.65). The magnitude of this association was greater for social support partners (AOR=2.95), family members (AOR=3.56), those with whom the participant interacted at least daily (AOR=2.17), and those who the participant knew longer (AOR=2.09). Further, among family members, the effect size was greater when relationships were further restricted to immediate family members (AOR=5.35). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that in this rural community, closer, more supportive relationships, may be more influential for modeling injection cessation; however, relationship-types were not mutually exclusive so differences in effect size across strata may not be statistically significant. In this setting, social support through the recovery process (including cessation attempts with peers) may increase likelihood of injection cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, United States
| | - Madelyn J McDonald
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States; Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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Duncan DT, Hickson DA, Goedel WC, Callander D, Brooks B, Chen YT, Hanson H, Eavou R, Khanna AS, Chaix B, Regan SD, Wheeler DP, Mayer KH, Safren SA, Carr Melvin S, Draper C, Magee-Jackson V, Brewer R, Schneider JA. The Social Context of HIV Prevention and Care among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in Three U.S. Cities: The Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16111922. [PMID: 31151275 PMCID: PMC6603520 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: In many parts of the world, stark racial disparities in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, incidence, prevention, and care outcomes persist among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), with Black MSM significantly impacted in the United States (U.S.). Individual-level characteristics, including sexual behaviors and socioeconomic status, do not fully account for racial/ethnic disparities in HIV among MSM. We hypothesize that neighborhood contexts and network characteristics influence risk for HIV infection as well as HIV-related prevention and care behaviors. As such, the study design includes the use of real-time geospatial methods and in-depth assessments of multiple network typologies to investigate the impact of neighborhood and network-level factors on HIV prevention and treatment among Black MSM residing in longstanding priority HIV elimination areas in the U.S., namely Chicago, Illinois and in the Deep South (Jackson, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana) (n = 450, n = 50, and n = 100, respectively). We describe the design, sampling methods, data collection, data management methods, and preliminary findings of the ongoing ‘Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) Cohort Study’. Methods/Design: N2 employs a prospective longitudinal design. The sample includes Black MSM participants in Chicago recruited via respondent-driven sampling and assessed every six months over two years of follow-up. Participants enrolled in Jackson and New Orleans are being recruited through existing health and community services and assessed every six months over one year of follow-up. Mobility within and between neighborhoods is being assessed using global positioning system (GPS) technology. Social and sexual networks among Black MSM are being studied through egocentric network inventories as well as newer methods of creating meso-level networks that involve social media (Facebook) and mobile phone contacts. Key HIV prevention outcomes such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care engagement, and HIV/STI (sexually transmitted infections) biomarkers will be examined at baseline and follow-up. Results: As of 31 December 2018, a total of 361 men were enrolled across all study sites: 259 in Chicago and 102 in the Deep South (75 in New Orleans and 27 in Jackson). At baseline, participants ranged in age from 17 to 65 years old (mean = 34.3, standard deviation = 5.1) with 123 men (34.1%) self-reported as HIV positive. While HIV treatment levels were similar between sites, men in the Deep South reported higher rates of adherence than men in Chicago (63.3% versus 49.4%, p = 0.03). Sexual risk profiles were mainly the same between men from different study sites, with 22.9% of men in Chicago and 28.9% in the Deep South reporting consistent condom use during vaginal and anal sex (p = 0.26). Regarding their home neighborhoods, men in the Deep South were more likely than those in Chicago to characterize theirs as having a good reputation (43.1% versus 24.7%, p < 0.001) and as being safe (37.3% versus 21.2%, p = 0.002). Conclusions: The focus on Black MSM in the N2 Study will allow for a nuanced exploration of the attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and practices of a diverse group of Black MSM. The study is also positioned to provide novel insight about neighborhood and network characteristics that influence HIV-related behaviors. A health equity framework ensures that Black MSM are not explicitly or implicitly deemed as deviant, disordered, or the non-reference group. Findings from N2 will provide guidance for the implementation of more impactful HIV prevention interventions that engage a diverse population of Black MSM as we work toward HIV elimination in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin T Duncan
- NYU Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - DeMarc A Hickson
- Center for Research, Evaluation, and Environmental & Policy Change, My Brother's Keeper, Inc., Jackson, MS 39202, USA.
- Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc., Washington, DC 20010, USA.
| | - William C Goedel
- NYU Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Denton Callander
- NYU Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Brandon Brooks
- NYU Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Yen-Tyng Chen
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Hillary Hanson
- Survey Lab, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Rebecca Eavou
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Aditya S Khanna
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Basile Chaix
- Pierre-Louis Institute of Epidemiology Public Health (UMR-S 1136), Faculté de Médecine Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Universités, 75012 Paris, France.
| | - Seann D Regan
- NYU Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | | | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Steven A Safren
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA.
| | - Sandra Carr Melvin
- Center for Research, Evaluation, and Environmental & Policy Change, My Brother's Keeper, Inc., Jackson, MS 39202, USA.
| | - Cordarian Draper
- Center for Research, Evaluation, and Environmental & Policy Change, My Brother's Keeper, Inc., Jackson, MS 39202, USA.
| | | | - Russell Brewer
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Young AM, Rudolph AE, Havens JR. Network-Based Research on Rural Opioid Use: an Overview of Methods and Lessons Learned. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:113-119. [PMID: 29457200 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough overview of methods used for recruitment, network data collection, and network data management in a network-based study of rural people who use drugs (PWUD) and to offer methodological recommendations for future research on rural drug use. RECENT FINDINGS The Social Networks among Appalachian People (SNAP) study recruited a cohort of 503 rural PWUD via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and has retained more than 80% of eligible participants over 7-9 years. SNAP has yielded important methodological insights, including that (1) RDS referral was non-random and disproportionately involved kin and (2) interviewer-administered questionnaires were successful in eliciting accurate name and age information about network members. The SNAP experience suggests that RDS was a successful recruitment strategy for rural PWUD and questionnaires administered by community-based interviewers in the context of a Certificate of Confidentiality could elicit detailed data on PWUD risk networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, 111 Washington Avenue, Office 211C, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA. .,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Zeng L, Li J, Crawford FW. Empirical evidence of recruitment bias in a network study of people who inject drugs. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2019; 45:460-469. [PMID: 30896982 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2019.1584203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Epidemiologic surveys of people who inject drugs (PWID) can be difficult to conduct because potential participants may fear exposure or legal repercussions. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a procedure in which subjects recruit their eligible social contacts. The statistical validity of RDS surveys of PWID and other risk groups depends on subjects recruiting at random from among their network contacts. Objectives: We sought to develop and apply a rigorous definition and statistical tests for uniform network recruitment in an RDS survey. Methods: We undertook a detailed study of recruitment bias in a unique RDS study of PWID in Hartford, CT, the USA in which the network, individual-level covariates, and social link attributes were recorded. A total of n=527 participants (402 male, 123 female, and two individuals who did not specify their gender) within a network of 2626 PWID were recruited. Results: We found strong evidence of recruitment bias with respect to age, homelessness, and social relationship characteristics. In the discrete model, the estimated hazard ratios regarding the significant features of recruitment time and choice of recruitee were: alter's age 1.03 [1.02, 1.05], alter's crack-using status 0.70 [0.50, 1.00], homelessness difference 0.61 [0.43, 0.87], and sharing activities in drug preparation 2.82 [1.39, 5.72]. Under both the discrete and continuous-time recruitment regression models, we reject the null hypothesis of uniform recruitment. Conclusions: The results provide the evidence that for this study population of PWID, recruitment bias may significantly alter the sample composition, making results of RDS surveys less reliable. More broadly, RDS studies that fail to collect comprehensive network data may not be able to detect biased recruitment when it occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zeng
- a Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Jianghong Li
- b Institute for Community Research , Hartford , CT , USA
| | - Forrest W Crawford
- a Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA.,c Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University , New Haven , CT , USA.,d Yale School of Management , New Haven , CT , USA
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11
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Rudolph AE, Young AM, Havens JR. Using Network and Spatial Data to Better Target Overdose Prevention Strategies in Rural Appalachia. J Urban Health 2019; 96:27-37. [PMID: 30465260 PMCID: PMC6391296 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-018-00328-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This analysis uses network and spatial data to identify optimal individuals to target with overdose prevention interventions in rural Appalachia. Five hundred and three rural persons who use drugs were recruited to participate in the Social Networks among Appalachian People Study (2008-2010). Interviewer-administered surveys collected information on demographic characteristics, risk behaviors (including overdose history), network members, and residential addresses. We restricted the sample to individuals with at least one confirmed relationship to another study participant (N = 463). Using dyadic analyses (N = 1428 relationships), we identified relationship-level correlates of relationships with network members who have previously overdosed. We then examined individual- and network-level factors associated with (1) having at least one first-degree alter (i.e., network member) with a prior overdose and (2) each additional network member with a prior overdose (N = 463 study participants). Overall, 28% of the sample had previously overdosed and 57% were one-degree away from someone who previously overdosed. Relationships with those who had overdosed were characterized by closer residential proximity. Those with at least one network member who previously overdosed were more geographically central and occupied more central network positions. Further, the number of network members with an overdose history increased with decreasing distance to the town center, increasing network centrality, and prior enrollment in an alcohol detox program. Because fatal overdoses can be prevented through bystander intervention, these findings suggest that strategies that target more central individuals (both geographically and based on their network positions) and those who have previously enrolled in alcohol detox programs with overdose prevention training and naloxone may optimize intervention reach and have the potential to curb overdose fatalities in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex 905, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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12
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Fujimoto K, Cao M, Kuhns LM, Li D, Schneider JA. Statistical adjustment of network degree in respondent-driven sampling estimators: venue attendance as a proxy for network size among young MSM. SOCIAL NETWORKS 2018; 54:118-131. [PMID: 29910531 PMCID: PMC6001287 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
We introduce a new venue-informed network degree measure, which we applied to respondent-driven sampling (RDS) estimators. Using data collected from 746 young MSM in 2014-2016 in Chicago, IL, and Houston, TX, we estimated the population seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis and risk/protective behaviors, using RDS estimates with self-reported network size as a standard degree measure as well as our proposed venue-informed degree measure. The results indicate that the venue-informed degree measure tended to be more efficient (smaller variance) and less biased than the other measure in both cities sampled. Venue attendance-adjusted network size may provide a more reliable and accurate degree measure for RDS estimates of the outcomes of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Fujimoto
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, 7000 Fannin Street, UCT 2514, Houston, TX 77030-5401
| | - Ming Cao
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, 7000 Fannin Street, UCT 2514, Houston, TX 77030-5401
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, and Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Chicago, IL, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, #161, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Dennis Li
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, 7000 Fannin Street, UCT 2514, Houston, TX 77030-5401
| | - John A Schneider
- Department of Medicine and Public Health Sciences and the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 5837 South Maryland Avenue MC 5065, Chicago, IL 60637
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13
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Li J, Valente TW, Shin HS, Weeks M, Zelenev A, Moothi G, Mosher H, Heimer R, Robles E, Palmer G, Obidoa C. Overlooked Threats to Respondent Driven Sampling Estimators: Peer Recruitment Reality, Degree Measures, and Random Selection Assumption. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:2340-2359. [PMID: 28660381 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intensive sociometric network data were collected from a typical respondent driven sample (RDS) of 528 people who inject drugs residing in Hartford, Connecticut in 2012-2013. This rich dataset enabled us to analyze a large number of unobserved network nodes and ties for the purpose of assessing common assumptions underlying RDS estimators. Results show that several assumptions central to RDS estimators, such as random selection, enrollment probability proportional to degree, and recruitment occurring over recruiter's network ties, were violated. These problems stem from an overly simplistic conceptualization of peer recruitment processes and dynamics. We found nearly half of participants were recruited via coupon redistribution on the street. Non-uniform patterns occurred in multiple recruitment stages related to both recruiter behavior (choosing and reaching alters, passing coupons, etc.) and recruit behavior (accepting/rejecting coupons, failing to enter study, passing coupons to others). Some factors associated with these patterns were also associated with HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghong Li
- Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA.
| | - Thomas W Valente
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hee-Sung Shin
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Weeks
- Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Alexei Zelenev
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gayatri Moothi
- Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Heather Mosher
- Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Robert Heimer
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eduardo Robles
- Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Greg Palmer
- Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | - Chinekwu Obidoa
- Institute for Community Research, 2 Hartford Square West, Suite 100, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
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14
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A Gold-Standard for Entity Resolution within Sexually Transmitted Infection Networks. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8776. [PMID: 29884882 PMCID: PMC5993735 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26794-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Contact tracing for venereal disease control has been widespread since 1936 and relies on reported information about contacts’ attributes to determine whether two contacts may represent the same individual. We developed and implemented a gold-standard for determining overlap between contacts reported by different individuals using cell phone numbers as unique identifiers. This method was then used to evaluate the performance of using reported names and demographic characteristics to infer overlap. Cell-phone numbers, names and demographic data for a sample of high-risk men in India and their contacts were collected using a novel, hybrid instrument involving both cell-phone data extraction and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI). Logistic regression was used to model the probability that a pair of contacts reported by different respondents were identical, based on the correspondence between their reported names and attributes. A discrete mixture model is proposed which provides predictions nearly as good as the logistic model but may be used in a new population without re-calibration. Despite achieving AUCs of 0.83–0.86, the low rate of true overlap among a very large number of contact pairs still results in a high rate of false positives. Next generation contact tracing calls for more archived or digital matching processes.
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15
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Friedman SR, Williams L, Young AM, Teubl J, Paraskevis D, Kostaki E, Latkin C, German D, Mateu-Gelabert P, Guarino H, Vasylyeva TI, Skaathun B, Schneider J, Korobchuk A, Smyrnov P, Nikolopoulos G. Network Research Experiences in New York and Eastern Europe: Lessons for the Southern US in Understanding HIV Transmission Dynamics. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2018; 15:283-292. [PMID: 29905915 PMCID: PMC6010197 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper presents an overview of different kinds of risk and social network methods and the kinds of research questions each can address. RECENT FINDINGS It also reviews what network research has discovered about how network characteristics are associated with HIV and other infections, risk behaviors, preventive behaviors, and care, and discusses some ways in which network-based public health interventions have been conducted. Based on this, risk and social network research and interventions seem both feasible and valuable for addressing the many public health and social problems raised by the widespread use of opioids in the US South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel R Friedman
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA.
| | - Leslie Williams
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer Teubl
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kostaki
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danielle German
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Honoria Guarino
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Britt Skaathun
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Medicine and Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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16
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Lee GO, Surkan PJ, Zelner J, Paredes Olórtegui M, Peñataro Yori P, Ambikapathi R, Caulfield LE, Gilman RH, Kosek MN. Social connectedness is associated with food security among peri-urban Peruvian Amazonian communities. SSM Popul Health 2018; 4:254-262. [PMID: 29854909 PMCID: PMC5976826 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is a major global public health issue. Social capital has been identified as central to maintaining food security across a wide range of low- and middle-income country contexts, but few studies have examined this relationship through sociocentric network analysis. OBJECTIVE We investigated relationships between household- and community-level social connectedness, household food security, and household income; and tested the hypothesis that social connectedness modified the relationship between income and food security. METHODS A cross-sectional census with an embedded questionnaire to capture social relationships was conducted among eleven peri-urban communities. Community connectedness was related to study outcomes of food security and per-capita income through regression models. RESULTS Of 1520 households identified, 1383 were interviewed (91.0%) and 1272 (83.9%) provided complete data. Households in the youngest communities had the most total contacts, and the highest proportion of contacts outside of the community. Household income was also associated with more outside-community contacts (0.05 more contacts per standard deviation increase in income, p<0.001).Less food secure households reported more contacts nearby (0.24 increase in household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) for each additional contact, p<0.001). After adjusting for household-level socioeconomic status, membership in an older, larger, and better-connected community, with a greater proportion of residents engaged in rural livelihood strategies, was associated with greater food security (-0.92 decrease in HFIAS for each one-unit increase in community mean degree, p=0.008). There was no evidence that social connectedness modified the relationship between income and food security such that lower-income households benefited more from community membership than higher-income households. CONCLUSIONS Although households reported networks that spanned rural villages and urban centers, contacts within the community, with whom food was regularly shared, were most important to maintaining food security. Interventions that build within-community connectedness in peri-urban settings may increase food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenyth O. Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5071 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | - Pamela J. Surkan
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jon Zelner
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5071 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
| | | | - Pablo Peñataro Yori
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ramya Ambikapathi
- Department of Global and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura E. Caulfield
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert H. Gilman
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Margaret N. Kosek
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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