Understanding Sexual and Social Networks Session 3 Slide 2
Learning Objectives: Understanding Sexual networks and social
networks Their relevance to the spread of HIV/STI Important of
identifying networks and counselling for risk reduction Slide 3
Networks The sexual network included each person with whom the
client had engaged in sexual activity during the window period. The
social network included names of persons the participant considered
important and with whom the client had talked or spent. The
drug-use networks included the persons with whom the participant
had used drugs or shared needles during the window period. Slide 4
How do networks affect transmission? Exclusively monogamous - not
part of a sexual network. If both are HIV-negative they remain so.
Serial monogamists - people who go from relationship to
relationship one at a time. If they have unprotected sex, they have
a higher risk of HIV/STI than exclusively monogamous people.
Earlier partners risk may affect later partners. Slide 5 How do
networks affect transmission? Concurrent relationships involve
having more than one sexual partner in a given period and going
back and forth between them. This increases the probability for
transmission, because earlier partners can be infected by later
partners. Concurrent partners can connect each of their respective
clusters and networks as well. Concurrency alone can fuel an
epidemic even if the average number of partners is relatively low.
Slide 6 What are key concepts of networks? Number of unprotected
partners Random spread broadens transmission Core groups Centrality
Slide 7 The counsellor should discuss Increasing condom use with
main and/or non-main partners. Intent to reduce number of sexual
partners. Enhancing partner communication and sexual negotiation.
Monogamy Abstinence Sexual activities that dont involve exchange of
blood, semen or vaginal secretions Discussion with partner(s) to
negotiate risk-reducing activities. Partner notification and
testing Reducing use of alcohol and/or drugs. Consideration of any
of the above factors. Other client-relevant behaviors. Slide 8
Summary This session understanding sexual and social networks is
crucial to reducing transmission rates of HIV, as an individuals
risk is greatly influenced by their location within a sexual
network. Vulnerability to HIV infection does not only depend upon
one's own risks but also the risks attributable to other partners
in one's sexual networks. Slide 9 Summary To ensure prevention and
reduction of risk the counsellor should ensure clients understand
perception of personal risk for STI/HIV, develop confidence in
ability to negotiate condom use and should have power to bring
about change. The counsellor should understand control dynamics of
relationships, be sensitive to cultural issues, create access to
health and encourage and support reduction of risk behaviour.
