Using Social Networks to Recruit an HIV Vaccine Preparedness Cohort

• DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3181acff91
• Publication Date: 2009-11-04T08:14:56Z
• Authors: Thomas W Valente; Jennifer B Zogg; Shawna Christensen; Jean Richardson; Andrea Kovacs; Eva Operskalski
• Keywords: Preparedness; HIV vaccine; Social network (sociolinguistics)

Objectives: To evaluate a social network approach to develop an adolescent cohort for HIV vaccine preparedness and investigate characteristics that influence recruitment. Methods: We summarize baseline data from prospective study included 4 sessions over 6 months. Fifty-nine HIV-infected adult patients of family-based clinic named significant others indicated willingness involve them in this study. Sixty-two not known be infected were enrolled. Logistic regression was used estimate factors associated with willingness. Results: Participants identified 624 members including 276 adolescents (44%). Network member's awareness the index's positivity (P < 0.01) older age = 0.05) affected Respondents less willing invite drug-risk alters 0.006). Adolescents more than adults 0.0001). younger 18 years old reported fewer sexual drug-using risk behaviors expected. Conclusions: are recruit their networks, provided concerns about disclosure status addressed. Using networks identify populations is appropriate feasible activities, future trials, other prevention programs, but procedures needed selectively retain high-risk youth.