RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Describe and evaluate an implementation science network focused on HIV prevention and treatment in New England. METHODS: In 2014, we established a partnership among university researchers and community stakeholders to stimulate and support HIV-related implementation research. We solicited information from Network members through surveys, interviews at Network events, and dialog with participants. In 2017, we conducted a sociocentric network assessment of collaborations on research projects, grants, manuscripts, and consultations. RESULTS: We identified 988 connections made through the Network that resulted in 185 manuscripts published and 15 grants funded. Our experience indicated that eight factors were instrumental in building and sustaining the Network: (1) acknowledging different perspectives, (2) balancing content and expertise, (3) encouraging consistent engagement, (4) providing seed funding, (5) membership flexibility, (6) maintenance of Network interactions, (7) supporting local HIV prevention and treatment efforts, and (8) maintaining productive relationships with health departments and community-based organizations. CONCLUSIONS: Developing and maintaining a regional network on implementation science for HIV prevention and treatment is feasible and can facilitate new and productive partnerships among researchers and community organizations and members.
RESUMO
Background: Advances in social technologies offer new tools for large scale data collection and analysis of peer influence and social networks on substance use attitudes and behaviors. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if text message content can predict alcohol and marijuana use attitudes and behaviors. Methods: Text messages from 91 males ages 18-25 were monitored over a period of 6 months and examined for content related to alcohol and marijuana. Self-report data indicating alcohol and marijuana use attitudes and behaviors were used to determine relationships between text message content, social network structure, and substance use attitudes and behaviors. Results: In total, 23,173 text messages were analyzed with 166 text messages including alcohol related terms and 195 text messages including drug related terms. Individuals who sent text messages related to alcohol use were more likely to have problem alcohol use and positive attitudes toward alcohol use, and individuals who sent text messages related to marijuana use reported higher frequency of marijuana use and more positive attitudes toward marijuana use. Individuals with multiple daily marijuana use were in positions that had less control over network structure. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that monitoring text message content and social network structure among emerging adult males can potentially predict alcohol and marijuana use attitudes and behaviors. Text message content analysis is a novel technique increasing our understanding of the role of peer influence and social network on substance use attitudes and behaviors.
