Egocentric Networks and HIV in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Attending Antenatal Care in Lusaka, Zambia

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a disproportionate effect on pregnant and breastfeeding women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study used egocentric social network analysis (SNA) to compare the sexual networks of HIV-negative HIV-positive attending an antenatal care (ANC) clinic Lusaka, Zambia. In order assess risk protective factors for HIV acquisition transmission, variables included self (ego) sociodemographic characteristics, main partner features relationship between ego her partner, alter attributes, alter-ego ties, alter-alter ties. Associations independent status were identified using bivariate tests. Logistic regression analyses performed predictors when multiple same model. Overall, 219 participating (69 HIV-positive, 150 HIV-negative) nominated 1095 alters. Compared egos, egos older, had partners who more likely consume alcohol before sex, disclosed their fewer alters, alters with whom they daily interactions, or HIV-unknown. Number HIV-unknown non-disclosure greatest risks (with being slightly greater magnitude than status), which places women, infants at preventable infection.