Social place as a location of potential core transmitters—implications for the targeted control of sexually transmitted disease transmission in urban areas

Abstract

Purpose Places are an important determinant of risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition and transmission. We sought to identify social places that are critical for targeted STI control activities. The objective of this study was to determine whether sex partner meeting places characterized by drug markets, sex markets and separately, drug and/or sex markets were more likely to have potential core transmitters as compared to other sex partner meeting places in one urban setting. Methods In 2008–2009, heterosexual sex partner places or venues were identified in Baltimore, MD using a venue-based study approach. Results 1,334 participants aged 18–35 years were enrolled at 85 venues. 39 potential core transmitters were identified and 31% of venues had at least one potential core transmitter. In final age- and gender-adjusted models, core transmitters were significantly more likely to be identified at drug markets (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.23, 1.53), sex markets (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.14. 1.41) and drug and/or sex markets (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.32, 1.68). Conclusions This study identified key characteristics of venues, such as drug and sex market activity, that may be important in identifying places for the targeted control of STI transmission.

Resurgence of Syphilis in the United States: An Assessment of Contributing Factors

“…A more focused or targeted control method that utilizes “venue analysis” to locate key social venues (bars, clubs, etc) where high-risk sexual behavior is prominent could be an effective intervention tool for public health; both for inducing and sustaining behavioral change as well as opportunities for testing and treating STIs. 60,61 Identifying locations such as these is important, as “place” is closely intertwined with social/sexual networks and ultimately impacts human behavior. 61 In a study by Jennings et al, 61 it was found that drug and sex market venues were more likely to be visited by core transmitters than other social venues.…”

“…60,61 Identifying locations such as these is important, as “place” is closely intertwined with social/sexual networks and ultimately impacts human behavior. 61 In a study by Jennings et al, 61 it was found that drug and sex market venues were more likely to be visited by core transmitters than other social venues. In addition, in a study by Fujimoto et al, 62 a similar connection was made among young, black MSM; syphilis cases were associated with a higher number of social venues attended, while HIV-syphilis coinfected cases were more likely to be associated with social network.…”

Social and behavioural research prospects for sexually transmissible infection prevention in the era of advances in biomedical approaches

“…101 Other studies use more specific constructs, such as neighbourhood-level characteristics and HIV and STI. [102][103][104][105] For example, one study of sex partner meeting places showed that core transmitters were more likely to be found in venues with drug and sex 'market' activity. 102 Another study examining social support and cohesion among city neighbourhoods in the US found that informal social control at the neighbourhood level was protective for young women, but unrelated for young men; in contrast, individual social support was associated with a large increase in the odds of having an STI, but only for young men.…”

“…[102][103][104][105] For example, one study of sex partner meeting places showed that core transmitters were more likely to be found in venues with drug and sex 'market' activity. 102 Another study examining social support and cohesion among city neighbourhoods in the US found that informal social control at the neighbourhood level was protective for young women, but unrelated for young men; in contrast, individual social support was associated with a large increase in the odds of having an STI, but only for young men. 103 The authors of that study speculated that these counterintuitive findings may be based on the connections of young men with social support (e.g.…”

Changing Places and Partners: Associations of Neighborhood Conditions With Sexual Network Turnover Among African American Adults Relocated From Public Housing

“…17–25 For example, prior literature demonstrates associations of exposure to drug market activity, alcohol outlets, violence, and incarceration rates with selecting sexual network partners who are infected with HIV/STIs or vulnerable to acquiring HIV/STIs. 18,20–25 …”