A Social Network Analysis of Cooperation and Support in an HIV Service Delivery Network for Young Latino MSM in Miami

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: The study aimed to identify HIV prevention, testing, and care services prioritizing young Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) in an HIV service delivery network in Miami-Dade County, Florida, by visually describing structural features and processes of collaboration within and between health and social venues. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data from 40 social and healthcare venues providing goods and services to young Latino MSM. Each venue provided information surrounding HIV-related services provided and collaborations with other venues. Network visualization analyses were performed using UCINET6 and NetDraw2.160. Results: The most commonly used services offered by health and social venues were free condoms and HIV education materials. Collaborations both within and between health and social venues components of the network existed. Not all health and social venues provided services to young Latino MSM. Conclusion: Health venues can reach and incorporate hard to reach populations, such as non-English speaking and undocumented young Latino MSM, to provide HIV-related services using service delivery venue social networks.