Social and Sexual Network Factors Associated with Concurrency among Youth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Thespina Yamanis, American University
Jake Fisher, Duke University
Lusajo Kajula, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

Understanding the social and sexual network factors associated with concurrency may reveal strategic targets for HIV prevention programs for youth. Prior research showed that youth in urban Tanzania participate in “camps”, social networks with stable membership. We interviewed members at 10 camps (n = 495 men; 164 women). The UNAIDS method was used to assess concurrency. Social network characteristics were obtained through name generators. Stratified logistic regression analysis was performed in Stata. 51% of male and 38% of female camp members reported concurrency during the past 6 months. Youth were more likely to report concurrency if they had a sexual partner at the camp, suggesting that camps may play a role in sexual network formation. Male members were more likely to report concurrency if a greater proportion of their social network engaged in concurrency. Future research should investigate how peer social networks may be harnessed to reduce concurrency among youth.