Using Cell Phones to Understand Social Networks of Young Men

描述(由申请者提供)：这项研究探索了评估个人如何在社交网络中互动的新方法。手机等通信技术使维护和发展网络联系变得更容易。信息、规范和影响如何在使用这些技术的网络中流动，以及它可能如何与网络特征和网络中的风险相关，这些本质并不为人所知。这项建议探索了评估社交网络中的互动及其对新兴成年男性风险行为(例如，性风险、物质使用)的影响的新颖和创新的方法。我们将评估使用手机数据获取有关社交网络成员之间互动和交流的行为网络数据的可行性。我们将利用现有的与用户手机接口的计算机软件程序收集两种类型的数据：(1)手机通话和短信活动，以确定网络内的通信频率和模式；(2)来自手机的全球定位系统(GPS)位置，以确定地理上的接近程度和网络成员之间面对面互动的频率。我们将从三个社交网络招募120名18-25岁的新兴成年异性恋男性。训练有素的外展工作人员将招募三名指数参与者，使用基于场地的抽样设计，针对三个最高的地点(如酒吧、公园/篮球场、理发店) 目标城市内的风险地区(例如，高性病发病率、高贫困)。该指数的亲密朋友将被招募到研究中。随后的招聘浪潮将招募前一波参与者的网络成员，形成三个以社会为中心的网络。所有参与者都将完成一次彻底的社交网络评估，在那里他们将提供一份完整的友谊网络花名册。此外，参与者将报告性风险行为(包括避孕套使用、并发、伴侣数量)和药物使用(包括酒精、大麻和硬性毒品使用)的总体水平，我们将在6个月内监测他们的手机活动、短信活动和GPS位置。这项研究将评估uSig手机数据获取网络行为信息的可行性和实用性。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This study explores novel methods to assess how individuals interact within social networks. Communication technologies such as cell phones have made it easier to maintain and develop network ties. The nature of how information, norms, and influence flow through networks using these technologies and how it might relate to network characteristics and risk within networks is not well known. This proposal explores novel and innovative methods of assessing interactions within social networks and their impact on risk behavior (e.g., sexual risk, substance use) among emerging adult men. We will assess the feasibility of using data from cell phones to obtain behavioral network data about interactions and communication between members of social networks. Using an existing computer software program that interfaces with users' cell phones, we will collect two types of data: (1) cell phone call and text message activity to ascertain communication frequency and patterns within networks, and (2) global positioning system (GPS) locations from cell phones to ascertain geographical proximity and frequency of face to face interactions between network members. We will enroll 120 emerging adult heterosexual men ages 18-25 from three social networks. Trained outreach workers will recruit three index participants using a venue-based sampling design targeting locations (e.g., bars, parks/basketball courts, barber shops) in the three highest risk areas (e.g., high STD rates, high poverty) within the target city. Close friends of the index will be recruited in the study. Subsequent waves of recruitment will enroll network members of participants from the previous wave to form three sociocentric networks. All participants will complete a thorough social network assessment where they provide a complete roster of their friendship network. In addition, participants will report their overall levels of sexual risk behavor (including condom use, concurrency, number of partners) and substance use (including alcohol, marijuana, and hard drug use) and we will monitor their cell phone activity, text messaging activity, and GPS locations for 6 months. This study will assess the feasibility and utility of usig cell phone data to obtain behavioral information about networks.