The purpose of this study is to map and analyze the networks of Injection Drug Users (IDUs) constructed from the needle exchange data. The IDU needle networks are then to be used to (1) investigate how network properties co-vary with demographic, drug use and HIV risk-related behavior; (2) determine the stability and dynamic of IDU networks with attention to the influence of the needle exchange itself; (3) simulate HIV transmission dynamics based on network measures within the same study. The matching of barcoded needles to individuals who receive and return needle exchange needles permits the construction of a needle transaction and interchange network that is the primary data source for the proposed investigation. Our major purpose is to demonstrate how needle exchange data may be used to construct IDU networks and to use these network constructs/variables to understand IDU behavior. These """"""""needle networks"""""""" represent needle transaction processes such as selling, trading, swapping, lending/borrowing, finding and perhaps sharing or needles. Although, it is important to determine the theoretical, methodological and computer programming aspects of needle networks, this proposal also addresses how needle networks are influenced and influence drug use and HIV-risk behavior.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
3R29DA010172-04S1
Application #
6152642
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Project Start
1996-09-25
Project End
2000-06-30
Budget Start
1999-09-01
Budget End
2000-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Miscellaneous
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
045911138
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
Valente, Thomas W; Fujimoto, Kayo (2010) Bridging: Locating Critical Connectors in a Network. Soc Networks 32:212-220
Valente, T W; Vlahov, D (2001) Selective risk taking among needle exchange participants: implications for supplemental interventions. Am J Public Health 91:406-11
Kwait, J; Valente, T W; Celentano, D D (2001) Interorganizational relationships among HIV/AIDS service organizations in Baltimore: a network analysis. J Urban Health 78:468-87
Alexander, C; Piazza, M; Mekos, D et al. (2001) Peers, schools, and adolescent cigarette smoking. J Adolesc Health 29:22-30
Valente, T W; Foreman, R K; Junge, B et al. (2001) Needle-exchange participation, effectiveness, and policy: syringe relay, gender, and the paradox of public health. J Urban Health 78:340-9
Junge, B; Valente, T; Latkin, C et al. (2000) Syringe exchange not associated with social network formation: results from Baltimore. AIDS 14:423-6