Family network proportion and HIV risk among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) John Schneider 1, Stuart Michaels 2, Alida Bouris 3 1.Departments of Medicine and Health Studies, University of Chicago 2.National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago 3.School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago Acknowledgements: Ben Cornwell, David Ostrow, Phil Schumm, Edward Laumann, Sam Friedman; James Iveniuk NIH (U54 RR023560, R03 DA026089, R01DA033875, R34MH097622).

Background and Approach Background BMSM have highest HIV incidence in the United States High rates are thought to be driven in part by network forces - mixing, norms, influence Little is known about BMSM family or family networks We use an established egocentric network approach 1 to determine the proportion of close social network members who are family – family network proportion Approach BMSM respondents in Chicago recruited using RDS Respondent assessment – Egocentric survey – Risk – unprotected anal intercourse (UAI); Group Sex (GS); Sex-drug use (SDU) – Intravention – respondent discourages risk behavior among other MSM Family network (n=380) includes respondents (n=204) and family members (n=176) named by respondents 92 (45.3%) of BMSM reported at least one close network member as family 1. five confidants (Burt 1984)

Figure 2 Family network proportion by age category and HIV status. The graphs depict family network proportion defined as the proportion of close network members (maximum of 5) who are identified as family of origin by respondents (n=204). Within each age or HIV status strata, and for a given proportion value, percentages equal 100. Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) family network proportion, risk practices and network intravention activity (n=204).

Discussion Greater family network proportion is associated with BMSM intravention behavior and individual risk behavior – Male family network proportion with stronger associations We need to better understand the role of brothers, fathers and other male relatives and how they are engaged in BMSM HIV prevention efforts Project Engage – RCT to assess efficacy of family of origin (and/or choice) intervention to support younger BMSM in their HIV primary care and adherence activities