Tracking sexual contacts of HIV patients: a study of physician practices

Abstract

Notification of sexual partners of HIV-infected individuals has become a focus of debate at local, state, and national levels. Issues of confidentiality and ethical concerns continue to pose challenges to state and local health departments addressing this issue. We conducted a telephone survey with physicians in Syracuse, New York to ascertain opinions about HIV partner notification and the role of public health agencies in that notification process. In general, physicians mostly relied upon the HIV-infected individuals to notify their own partners but were supportive of enhanced efforts regarding partner notification.