Social Network Influence on Syphilis Testing for Black Sexual Minority Men in Baltimore, Maryland: A Cross-sectional Social Network Analysis

Omeid Heidari, Karin E. Tobin, Sarah Pollock, Fang Ying Li, Allison R. Webel, Dustin T. Duncan, Carl Latkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Black sexual minority men (BSMM), including those with HIV, have disproportionate rates of syphilis infection. This study examines the associations of social network characteristics on syphilis testing, given that social network approaches are well established as effective methods to establish health-promoting social norms. We analyzed baseline data from a sexual health behavioral intervention. Using multivariable logistic regression, we modeled individual and social network characteristics on syphilis testing. Of the 256 participants, 37% tested for syphilis in the past year. In the adjusted model controlling for individual factors, odds of syphilis testing increased 89% for each increase in network member participants being encouraged to get a syphilis test (95% confidence interval [1.19-3.00]). Feeling comfortable accompanying a friend for HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing was associated with 2.47 increased odds of syphilis testing. Encouraging and training individuals to discuss sexual health topics with their network members may lead to the establishment of testing in social networks of Black sexual minority men.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5-14
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2023

Keywords

  • Black/African American
  • Sexual and gender minorities
  • Sexual behavior
  • Social network
  • Syphilis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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