A new HIV prevention network approach: sociometric peer change agent selection.

ABSTRACT: Internationally, the Peer Change Agent (PCA) model is the most frequently used conceptual framework for HIV prevention. Change agents themselves can be more important than the messages they convey. PCA selection is operationalized via heterogeneous methods based upon individual-level attributes. A sociometric position selection strategy, however, could increase peer influence potency and halt transmission at key network locations. In this study, we selected candidate PCAs based upon relative sociometric bridging and centrality scores and assessed their attributes in comparison to one another and to existing peer educators. We focused upon an emerging HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men in Southern India in 2011. PCAs selected based on their bridging score were more likely to be in

SUBMITTER: Schneider JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4117829 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature