The association of social networks with substance use among homeless men in Los Angeles who have unprotected sex with women

Abstract

This study examined the association between social network characteristics and heavy drinking and crack use among homeless men who had unprotected sex with women. This study focused on network members with whom homeless men used substances. Of 305 randomly selected homeless men in Los Angeles, California, 182 participants who had unprotected sex with women during the previous 6 months were included in the final analysis. To obtain social network data, respondents were asked to provide the first names of 20 individuals they had contact with during the previous 6 months. In the final multivariate logistic regression model, social network characteristics were examined as possible influences on heavy drinking and crack use. The likelihood of heavy drinking was significantly increased by the proportion of network members with whom homeless men used alcohol. Likelihood of crack use was also associated with the proportion of network members with whom the respondent used drugs. Results indicated that using alcohol and drugs with network members increased the odds of heavy drinking and crack use among participants. Interventions to reduce substance use among homeless men who have unprotected sex may help them reduce ties with individuals with whom they drink and use drugs.

• Homeless men
• substance use
• social network

Acknowledgements

We thank Dr Daniela Golinelli for her contributions to the sample design, Dr David Kennedy and Dr Hank Green for their contributions to the social network interview, and Eric Lindberg for proofreading this article.

Declaration of interest

This research was supported by grant R01HD059307 (NICHD).