The role of network communication in mediating the effect of a social network intervention on HIV seroconversion among people who inject drugs in Ukraine.

HIV seroconversion; RESOURCE-limited settings; HIV infections; HIV prevention; TELECOMMUNICATION systems

We examined the role of network communication about HIV-related topics in mediating the efficacy of a social network intervention on HIV seroconversion among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ukraine, where Eastern Europe's second-largest HIV epidemic is concentrated among PWID. We used randomized controlled trial data from 1200 HIV-negative PWID (Ukraine; 2010–2012) in an inverse-odds weighted analysis to examine mediation by network communication. Network communication mediated 24 % (95 % CI= 19.22–29.38) of the intervention's effect. Integrating training to support network communication about additional HIV prevention resources could enhance the impact of social network HIV prevention interventions among PWID. • We assessed a mechanism through which a social network intervention reduced HIV seroconversion among PWID. • Network communication about HIV risk reduction mediated 24 % of the intervention's effect. • Our findings support increasing communication about HIV risk reduction in social networks of PWID. • Leveraging existing social networks could impact HIV harm reduction among PWID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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