| S71 | Network Analysis in
HIV/AIDS studies - Analyse des réseaux dans les études sur le SIDA |
| Organiser: | Kofi Awusabo-Arare Department of Geography University of Cape Coast Cape Coast Ghana Tel: +233 42 32480(221) Fax: +233 42 33173 /32086 E-mail: awusabu@ghana.com |
| Outline: | HIV infection is a function of
time, space and the nature of human interactions between and within groups. Such
interactions create network systems and networking has been identified as one of the
driving forces in the spread of HIV. The concept of networking is not new in social
science research. It underlies the study of diffusion, social and spatial networks as well
as transport systems analysis. However, the outbreak and spread of HIV has provided a new
perspective for the study of networks since HIV infection involves social, spatial and
sexual networks. Within the context of HIV infection, networking has been used to imply ‘the ascertaining of successive links in relations from one partner to the next in interlocking chains’. Such interlocking chains characterize, in particular, the sexual and IVDU transmission of HIV. It provides a framework for understanding the social networks that give rise to some of the observed spatial patterns in HIV infection. The traditional approach to the study of demographic events which has been introduced to the study of HIV infection, examines infected persons as individuals. For instance, earlier studies in networks asked questions on lifetime partners without linking the respondents to their partners. However, in the case of sexual and IVDU HIV infection, the process involves at least two persons who may also be involved in other interactions creating a web of networks. While the science and art of social networks have been developed for some time, the concept as applied to HIV infection is relatively new. In applying the concept to HIV infection, at least three challenges have emerged. These are methods of data collection, modeling and measuring events/dyads involved in interactions. Data collection within the context of a phenomenon such as sexual networking needs a different approach from social networks. Among the approaches suggested for data collection are period or detailed information on a specific number of partners. In the area of modeling, a number of approaches have emerged which have furthered our understanding of social and sexual networks. For instance, a number of computer programmes have been developed for the study of networks. The concept of networking as developed has a wide application beyond HIV infection. The aim of this session is to provide a forum for participants to share ideas on the art and science of network analysis: the models, statistical techniques, concepts that have emerged and their possible applications to other areas of interaction. Specifically, the session will deal with:
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