scholarly journals Egocentric Network Characteristics of People Who Inject Drugs in the Chicago Metro Area and Associations with Hepatitis C Virus and Injection Risk Behavior

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti ◽  
Joshua Falk ◽  
Carl Latkin ◽  
Maggie Kaufmann ◽  
Leslie Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Risk Behavior ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Injection Risk

Abstract Background Hepatitis C (HCV) infection has been rising in the suburban and rural United States, mainly via injection-based transmission. Injection and sexual networks are recognized as an important element in fostering and preventing risky behavior, however the role of social support networks has received somewhat less attention. Methods Using baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal study, we examined the composition and structure of injection drug use (IDU), sex, and social support networks of young people who inject drugs (aged 18-30) and their injection network members. Lasso logistic regression was used to select a subset of network characteristics that were potentially important predictors of injection risk behaviors and HCV exposure. Results Several measures of IDU, sexual and support network structure and composition were found to be associated with HCV exposure, receptive syringe sharing (RSS), and ancillary equipment sharing. Gender and sexual relationships were important factors for all risk behaviors. Support network characteristics were also important, notably including a protective effect of majority Hispanic support networks for RSS and HCV exposure. Both IDU network residence heterogeneity and support network geography were associated with injection equipment sharing. Conclusions The associations of IDU and support network geography with equipment sharing highlight the need to extend harm reduction efforts beyond urban areas. Greater understanding of support network influences on risk behavior may provide important insights to strengthen the benefits of harm reduction. In considering the probability of HCV transmission, it is important to consider setting and network structures that promote propagation of risk.

scholarly journals Trends in Injection Risk Behaviors among People Who Inject Drugs and the Impact of Harm Reduction Programs in Ukraine, 2007–2013

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iuliia Makarenko ◽  
D. C. Ompad ◽  
Y. Sazonova ◽  
T. Saliuk ◽  
J. DeHovitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Injection Risk ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals The Social Networks and Social Support of Siblings of Children with Cancer

Children ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Wawrzynski ◽  
Melissa A. Alderfer ◽  
Whitney Kvistad ◽  
Lauri Linder ◽  
Maija Reblin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
The Social ◽  
Need Support ◽  
Sources Of Support

Siblings of children with cancer need support to ameliorate the challenges they encounter; however, little is known about what types and sources of support exist for siblings. This study addresses this gap in our understanding of the social networks and sources of support for adolescents with a brother or sister who has cancer. Additionally, we describe how the support siblings receive addresses what they feel are the hardest aspects of being a sibling of a child with cancer. During semi-structured interviews, siblings (ages 12–17) constructed ecomaps describing their support networks. Data were coded for support type (emotional, instrumental, informational, validation, companionship) and support provider (e.g., mother, teacher, friend). Network characteristics and patterns of support were explored. Support network size ranged from 3 to 10 individuals (M = 6 ± 1.9); siblings most frequently reported mothers as sources of support (n = 22, 91.7%), followed by fathers (n = 19, 79.2%), close friends (n = 19, 79.2%) and siblings (with or without cancer) (n = 17, 70.8%). Friends and brothers or sisters most often provided validation and companionship while instrumental and informational supports came from parents. This study provides foundational knowledge about siblings’ support networks, which can be utilized to design interventions that improve support for siblings of children with cancer.

Barriers and Facilitators of HIV and Hepatitis C Care Among People Who Inject Drugs in Nairobi, Kenya: A Qualitative Study with Peer Educators

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Ludwig-Barron ◽  
Brandon L Guthrie ◽  
Loice Mbogo ◽  
David Bukusi ◽  
William Sinkele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Peer Educators ◽  
Prevention Education ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Policy Level

Abstract Background: In Kenya, people who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) epidemics, including HIV-HCV coinfections; however, few have assessed factors affecting their access to and engagement in care through the lens of harm reduction specialists. This qualitative study leverages the personal and professional experiences of peer educators to help identify HIV and HCV barriers and facilitators to care among PWID in Nairobi, including resource recommendations to improve service uptake. Methods: We recruited peer educators from two harm reduction facilities in Nairobi, Kenya, using random and purposive sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews explored circumstances surrounding HIV and HCV service access, prevention education and resource recommendations. A thematic analysis was conducted using the Modified Social Ecological Model (MSEM) as an underlying framework, with illustrative quotes highlighting emergent themes. Results: Twenty peer educators participated, including six women, with 2 months to 6 years of harm reduction service. Barriers to HIV and HCV care were organized by (a) individual-level themes including competing needs of addiction and misinterpreted symptoms; (b) network-level themes including social isolation and drug pusher interactions; (c) community-level themes including transportation, mental and rural healthcare services, and limited HCV resources; and (d) policy-level themes including nonintegrated services, clinical administration, and law enforcement. Stigma, an overarching barrier, was highlighted throughout the MSEM. Facilitators to HIV and HCV care were comprised of (a) individual-level themes including concurrent care, personal reflections, and religious beliefs; (b) network-level themes including community recommendations, navigation services, family commitment, and employer support; (c) community-level themes including quality services, peer support, and outreach; and (d) policy-level themes including integrated services and medicalized approaches within law enforcement. Participant resource recommendations include (i) additional medical, social and ancillary support services, (ii) national strategies to address stigma and violence and (iii) HCV prevention education. Conclusions : Peer educators provided intimate knowledge of PWID barriers and facilitators to HIV and HCV care that were described at each level of the MSEM, and should be given careful consideration when developing future initiatives. Recommendations emphasized policy and community-level interventions including educational campaigns and program suggestions to supplement existing HIV and HCV services.

scholarly journals Building and Connecting: Family Strategies for Developing Social Support Networks for Adults With Down Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Roll ◽  
Barbara J. Bowers
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
The Social ◽  
Professional Resources

Being embedded in social networks is crucial for well-being and health. While this is particularly the case for people with Down syndrome (DS), our knowledge of how their support networks are developed is limited. This article investigates the role of family members in developing and maintaining the social support networks of their adult children with DS. Based on 29 interviews with family members, a grounded theory study was conducted. The Family Building and Connecting (BAC) framework was developed, which distinguishes a “building” and a “connecting” approach. The building approach includes strategies that rely on family members and close friends for building a support network for the person with DS. The connecting approach includes strategies that connect the person with DS to external and often professional resources and services. Distinguishing these approaches is important for future research and for strengthening the support networks of people with DS and their families.

The hepatitis C care cascade among people who inject drugs accessing harm reduction services in Catalonia: Major gaps for migrants

2021 ◽  
Vol 90 ◽  
pp. 103057
Author(s):  
Cinta Folch ◽  
Verónica Saludes ◽  
Juliana Reyes-Ureña ◽  
Adrián Antuori ◽  
Nuria Ibáñez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Care Cascade

A peer-education intervention to reduce injection risk behaviors for HIV and hepatitis C virus infection in young injection drug users

AIDS ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (14) ◽  
pp. 1923-1932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard S Garfein ◽  
Elizabeth T Golub ◽  
Alan E Greenberg ◽  
Holly Hagan ◽  
Debra L Hanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Injection Drug Users ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Peer Education ◽  
Education Intervention ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus Infection ◽  
Injection Risk

Homelessness in a Post-Soviet City: Weak Social Support and Institutional Alienation

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 1031-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petru Negură
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Couple Relationship ◽  
Weak Support ◽  
The Social ◽  
Care Leavers ◽  
Support Relations ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Abstract Research has shown that most homeless people suffer from weak support from family, relatives and friends. Based on a descriptive statistical analysis with biographical records of 810 subjects, and a thematic analysis of interviews with homeless people (N = 65), people at risk of homelessness (N = 5) and professionals (N = 20), the article explores the social support system of homeless people from Chisinau (Moldova). Only 18.6 per cent of all users of the Shelter for homeless in Chisinau were in a couple relationship (and only 5.6 per cent registered officially). For former detainees (23 per cent of the Shelter users) and care leavers (11 per cent), it is even more difficult to create a couple and to strengthen their social support network, as the institutions they come from did not foster their social support. As homelessness becomes chronic, people build social support networks with other homeless people. This social support helps homeless people to cope with stressful living conditions. The article suggests, in the case of Moldova, that social support relations with family, friends, acquaintances and other homeless people are affected negatively in the absence of policies and institutional measures targeted to encourage and strengthen such relationships.

scholarly journals The role of internet-based social support network in immigrant settlement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Xiaoping Lin
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
The Government

This is an exploratory study on the roles that internet-based social networks play in supporting immigrants in their settlement process, using NewBridger as an example. This research finds that online social networks are able to provide informational, socio-emotional, and some material and instrumental support to immigrants that help meet their settlement needs. Information passed through NewBridger helps immigrants with employment, housing, education and training, leisure, and daily living related issues. Socio-emotional support helps reduce acculturative stress by fostering a sense of belonging and friendship, and by exchanging expressions of love, care and encouragement. Support for immigrants also takes the form of social capital building. This study concludes that online social support networks are valuable supplement to formal support networks consisting of the government and the non-profit sector. This study builds on the theoretical frameworks of social support, social capital and acculturative stress.

scholarly journals Social Support Networks and Quality of Life of Rural Men in a Context of Marriage Squeeze in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 706-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasa Wang ◽  
Xueyan Yang ◽  
Isabelle Attané
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Marriage Squeeze

A significant number of rural Chinese men are facing difficulties in finding a spouse and may fail to ever marry due to a relative scarcity of women in the adult population. Research has indicated that marriage squeeze is a stressful event which is harmful to men’s quality of life, and also weakens their social support networks. Using data collected in rural Chaohu city, Anhui, China, this study explores the effects of social support networks on quality of life of rural men who experience a marriage squeeze. The results indicate that the size of social contact networks is directly and positively associated with the quality of life of marriage-squeezed men, and moderate the negative effect of age on quality of life. Having no or limited instrumental support network and social contact network are double-edged swords, which have direct negative associations with the quality of life of marriage-squeezed men, and have moderate effects on the relationship between marriage squeeze and quality of life.

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