scholarly journals Social network characteristics and alcohol use among young Swedes with different ethnic backgrounds

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Miething ◽  
N K Gustafsson ◽  
M Rostila ◽  
J Rydgren
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Market Integration ◽  
Ethnic Background ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Network Similarity ◽  
Network Composition

Abstract Background The study explores how social network determinants relate to the prevalence and frequency of alcohol use of members of social networks. In a so-called dyadic design we study how similar alcohol habits co-exist among individuals (egos) and their peers (alters), when variables such as ethnic background, network composition, and other socio-cultural aspects are considered. Methods The data were derived from a Swedish survey entitled “Social Capital and Labor Market Integration: A Cohort Study.” The study participants (egos; n = 1989) were around age 23 at the time of the interview. A so-called dyadic design was applied, which means that all components of the analysis refer to ego-alter pairs (n = 7828). The outcome variable considered how alcohol prevalence and frequency of binge-drinking co-exist between egos and their alters. The independent variables also measured mutual attributes and behaviors - whether egos and alters were at the same age and sex, had same ethnic background, were relatives or friends, had similar religious affiliations, or intensely interacted with friends. Results The analysis revealed that ego-alter similarity in terms of age, sex and ethnic background predict ego-alter similarity in alcohol use and binge-drinking. For example, if egos and alters shared a similar ethnic background, their risk of alcohol use was at least 30 percent higher as compared to those with different ethnic backgrounds. Relative to ego-alter pairs with mixed ethnic backgrounds, the odds of binge-drinking were highest for ego-alters pairs with Yugoslavian background (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.27-2.42), followed by those with Iranian (OR 1.57; 1.04-2.35) and Swedish background (OR 1.28; 0.84-1.95). Conclusions We conclude that network similarity (i.e., homophily) is an important explanation for the co-existence of alcohol use among members of peer networks. Alcohol use is more common in homogeneous peer dyads representing population groups with higher use. Key messages Peer similarity predicts alcohol use and binge drinking. Ethnic similarity of peers is associated with increased alcohol use and binge drinking.

scholarly journals Social network characteristics and alcohol use by ethnic origin: An ego-based network study on peer similarity, social relationships, and co-existing drinking habits among young Swedes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249120
Author(s):  
Nina-Katri Gustafsson ◽  
Jens Rydgren ◽  
Mikael Rostila ◽  
Alexander Miething
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Ethnic Origin ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Closed Networks ◽  
Drinking Habits ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Sex Risk ◽  
Network Similarity ◽  
Demographic Similarity

The study explores how social network determinants relate to the prevalence and frequency of alcohol use among peer dyads. It is studied how similar alcohol habits co-exist among persons (egos) and their peers (alters) when socio-demographic similarity (e.g., in ethnic origin), network composition and other socio-cultural aspects were considered. Data was ego-based responses derived from a Swedish national survey with a cohort of 23-year olds. The analytical sample included 7987 ego-alter pairs, which corresponds to 2071 individuals (egos). A so-called dyadic design was applied i.e., all components of the analysis refer to ego-alter pairs (dyads). Multilevel multinomial-models were used to analyse similarity in alcohol habits in relation to ego-alter similarity in ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, sex, risk-taking, educational level, closure in network, duration, and type of relationship, as well as interactions between ethnicity and central network characteristics. Ego-alter similarity in terms of ethnic origin, age and sex was associated with ego-alter similarity in alcohol use. That both ego and alters were non-religious and were members of closed networks also had an impact on similarity in alcohol habits. It was concluded that network similarity might be an explanation for the co-existence of alcohol use among members of peer networks.

scholarly journals EXPANDING SOCIAL TIES AS A GOAL IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
Danielle Oleskiewicz ◽  
Karen Rook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Composition

Abstract Older adults often winnow their social ties to focus on emotionally rewarding ties (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). Some older adults, however, have small social networks that preclude much winnowing or aversive social ties from which disengagement is difficult. These individuals might be motivated to expand, rather than contract, their social ties. The current study sought to extend knowledge regarding potential links between social network characteristics and older adults’ interest, effort, and success in creating new social ties. We expected that small social networks and negative social ties might motivate interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties but that positive social ties might foster success in efforts to form new ties. In-person interviews were conducted with participants (N = 351, Mean age = 74.16) in a larger study of older adults’ social networks and well-being. The interviews assessed participants’ social networks, as well as their interest, effort, and success in making new social ties. Participants’ social network composition, rather than size, was associated with greater motivation to establish new social ties. Negative social ties were associated with greater interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties. Positive social ties were related to greater success (due, in part, to their support provision) and, unexpectedly, were also related to greater interest and effort directed toward forming new ties. Older adults sometimes seek to expand, rather than contract, their social ties, and characteristics of their social networks appear to play a role in fueling and influencing the success of such efforts.

scholarly journals U.S. College Students’ Social Network Characteristics and Perceived Social Exclusion: A Comparison Between Drinkers and Nondrinkers Based on Past-Month Alcohol Use

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 862-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara G. Balestrieri ◽  
Graham T. DiGuiseppi ◽  
Matthew K. Meisel ◽  
Melissa A. Clark ◽  
Miles Q. Ott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Network Characteristics

scholarly journals Prevalence of Alcohol Use and Factors Associated With Problem Drinking in Social Networks of People Living With HIV Infection in St. Petersburg, Russia

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-393
Author(s):  
Yuri A. Amirkhanian ◽  
Jeffrey A. Kelly ◽  
Sergey S. Tarima ◽  
Anna V. Kuznetsova ◽  
Wayne J. DiFranceisco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Problem Drinking ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
The Past

Russia has over 1.2 million HIV infections and Europe's highest HIV incidence. Although its HIV epidemic is intertwined with high alcohol consumption rates, the interaction between alcohol use and HIV care in Russia is understudied. Five hundred eighty-six HIV-positive persons were recruited using social network methods in St. Petersburg. Fifty-nine percent of males, and 45% of females, drank regularly. Thirty percent of alcohol users reported binge drinking (males: ≥ 5 drinks; females ≥ 4 drinks) in the past week. Alcohol use was associated with lower HIV care engagement and having a detectable viral load. Multivariate analyses showed that any alcohol consumption, number of alcohol drinks consumed, and having a binge drinking day in the past week were associated with male gender, use of illicit drugs, drug injection, smaller social network size, lower social supports, being unmarried, and reporting condomless intercourse with non-main partners. Interventions to improve HIV care in Russia must comprehensively address the use of alcohol and substances that interfere with care engagement.

The relationship between social network characteristics and exchanging sex for drugs or money among drug users in Baltimore, MD, USA

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 770-775 ◽  
Author(s):  
C A Latkin ◽  
W Hua ◽  
V L Forman
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
History Of ◽  
Network Composition ◽  
Use Factors ◽  
The Relationship

The current study examined social network and drug use factors associated with buying and selling sex among a sample of opiate and cocaine users in Baltimore, Maryland. A sample of 702 drug users who were sexually active were administered a social network and risk behaviour inventory. Compared to 25% of men, only 1.7% of women reported a history of giving money or drugs to get sex during the past 90 days. Conversely, more women (21.2%) than men (4.7%) sold sex for money or drugs. Those who sold sex were more likely to be low frequency crack smokers, were more likely to drink alcohol at least once a day, had a higher average number of crack-only smokers in their network, and had a smaller number of kin in their network. Men who exchanged money or drugs for sex tended to be low frequency crack smokers and reported having more crack-only smokers and injectors and fewer kin in their networks. The results suggest that network composition may be a risk factor for exchanging sex, particularly with respect to crack users, while kin may be a protective factor. These associations may be either a cause or consequence of exchanging sex.

scholarly journals Associations of socio-demographic characteristics, well-being, school absenteeism, and substance use with recreational nitrous oxide use among adolescents: A cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247230
Author(s):  
Suzanne J. van den Toren ◽  
Amy van Grieken ◽  
Hein Raat
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Externalizing Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Ethnic Background ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Mental Well Being

Purpose A rapid increase of recreational nitrous oxide use (i.e. laughing gas, N2O) has been reported in several countries, while it has received limited attention in scientific research. We aimed to study the association of socio-demographic characteristics, mental well-being, sickness absence, truancy, and substance use with the frequency of lifetime nitrous oxide use among adolescents. Methods We used self-reported questionnaire data of adolescents (N = 555) attending secondary schools to cross-sectionally assess the frequency of nitrous oxide use and potential factors associated with nitrous oxide use, such as gender, mental well-being, and binge drinking. Ordinal logistic regression models were applied with lifetime nitrous oxide use (never, once, ≥ two times) as the outcome variable. Results Adolescents were on average 15.6 years old (SD = 0.83, range 14–18), 47.0% were female. In total, 86 (15.6%) adolescents had used nitrous oxide at least once in their life. In the multivariable ordinal regression model, the risk of having a higher category of lifetime nitrous oxide use was associated with a non-Dutch ethnic background (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.22; 3.61), attending pre-vocational education (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.06; 3.34), a higher score on the scale of externalizing problems (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01; 1.20), binge drinking twice or more in the past four weeks (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.25; 4.94), and cannabis use (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.03; 3.79). Conclusions Youth Health Care professionals should be aware of nitrous oxide use in adolescents, especially among adolescents with a non-Dutch ethnic background, lower education levels, externalizing problems, frequent binge drinking, and cannabis use.

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