Changes in Partnerships and HIV Risk Behaviors After Partner Notification

Abstract

PN did not increase partnership dissolution or formation and was associated with higher condom use, suggesting the value of PN in HIV prevention.

The HIV transmission gradient: relationship patterns of protection

“…Studies have shown that indeed when a person is aware of the partner's HIV positive status, risk behavior is altered accordingly Hoxworth et al, 2003). Of course, rational behavior is based on expected benefits and costs, so it is perception that governs behavior.…”

Effectiveness of Self-Referral for Male Patients With Urethral Discharge Attending a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic in China

“…The aims of this strategy are to reduce the infective duration for a person infected with STD, to encourage early treatment for the sexual partner of an infected index person, and thus to reduce further transmission of infection and prevent the reinfection and sequelae for both index patients and their partners. 4,5 Another benefit from PN is that the strategy could lead to behavioral changes, including reduction in the number of sex partners and an increase in condom use, 6,7 thus facilitating the control of STD/ HIV. Although it is difficult to evaluate the public health objective of PN for STD control, some studies have addressed the efficacy of this strategy for patients with NG and/or CT in recent years.…”

Primary HIV infection

“…In areas of the United States where HIV infection rates are the highest, most patients diagnosed with HIV do not receive public health PN services [51]. Concerns about HIV PN leading to partnership dissolution, new partner acquisition, or domestic violence have not borne out [52,53]. Increased condom use after PN has been demonstrated [52,53].…”

“…Concerns about HIV PN leading to partnership dissolution, new partner acquisition, or domestic violence have not borne out [52,53]. Increased condom use after PN has been demonstrated [52,53]. PN is more effective when implemented by trained public health counselors than by the newly diagnosed patients themselves [54] and may allow the public health counselors to offer education, counseling, and testing to potentially exposed individuals.…”