JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Characteristics of one’s social network have been important factors in understanding infectious disease transmission patterns. Social network data collection is generally time and resource intensive, yet is crucial to our understanding of the complex epidemiologic landscape of human behaviors among stigmatized social groups.

Objective:

We sought to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a self-administered social network data collection tool, Network Canvas, among Black MSM (BMSM) and transgender persons using the think aloud method, which is a robust and flexible research technique used to perform usability testing.

Methods:

We piloted a self-administered network interview within the Network Canvas Software Suite. Participants ≥ 18 years were recruited through a community-based organization in Atlanta, GA and were included based upon willingness to share information on sexual behaviors and drug use for themselves and their social networks. A semi-structured interview guide was used to document cognitive decision-making processes while using the tool. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analyses were performed.

Results:

Among seven BMSM and transgender participants, three main themes were identified from cognitive processes: Network Canvas’s utility, navigation, and intuitive design. Overall, Network Canvas was described as ‘easy to use,’ with suggestions mainly directed toward improving navigation tools and implementing an initial tutorial on the program prior to use. Participants were willing to use Network Canvas to document their social networks and characteristics. In general, observed verbal responses from participants matched their behavior although there were some discrepancies between verbal affirmations of use and understanding versus external observation.

Conclusions:

We found Network Canvas to be a useful new tool to capture social network data. Self-administration allowed for more autonomy for participants when providing sensitive information about themselves and their social networks. Further, automated name generation and visualization of one’s social network in the application has the potential to reduce cognitive burden during data collection. More efficient methods of social network data collection have the potential to provide epidemiologic information to guide prevention efforts for populations with stigmatized health conditions or behaviors.