Changes in partnerships and HIV risk behaviors after partner notification

Abstract

Background and objective: Few studies have examined the effect of partner notification (PN) on behavior change and partnerships. This study investigated both.

Goal: The goal was to examine the effect of PN on sexual behaviors and partnership dissolution and formation. STUDY DESIGN Subjects included HIV-positive persons interviewed to identify partners for notification, partners notified of exposure, and HIV-negative persons receiving HIV counseling and testing (controls). Subjects were interviewed about behaviors and relationships at baseline and at 3- and 6-month visits. Partnerships in which both subject and partner received PN were compared to partnerships in which only the subject received PN and to control partnerships.

Results: Partnerships where both persons received PN were less likely to break up or acquire new partners and more likely to use condoms at follow-up.

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