National HIV Prevention Conference Atlanta, Georgia, USA — August 29- September 1, 1999

Natl HIV Prev Conf 1999 Aug 29-Sep 1:(abstract no. 721)
Kissinger PJ, Niccolai LM, Farley TA, Maher JE, Peterman TA
Louisiana State University, New Orleans.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the history and public health issues surrounding HIV partner notification and determine how often sexual partnerships dissolve and behaviors change after partner notification for HIV as compared to partner notification for syphilis.

METHODS: Participants included individuals with HIV or syphilis who received partner notification services (index patients). A trained interviewer administered a questionnaire regarding partnerships and behaviors at baseline and at 3 months and 6 months after partner notification.

RESULTS: As of December 1998, we had enrolled 21 HIV index patients who reported 28 partnerships and 30 syphilis index patients who reported 52 partnerships. All participants were African-American, 84% were heterosexual, and 51% were male. At baseline, 50% of the HIV partnerships and 48% of the syphilis partnerships were self-reported as concordant (i.e. both positive). Six HIV index patients who reported 14 partnerships and I3 syphilis index patients who reported 20 partnerships at baseline have completed 3 months of follow-up. Fifty percent (7/14) of the HIV partnerships and 55% (1 1/20) of the syphilis partnerships had dissolved. Three HIV partnerships and one syphilis partnership abstained from sex. Among the 4 HIV partnerships at baseline and 3 at follow-up. Among the 8 syphilis partnerships remaining sexually active, condom use at last sex act was reported in 3 partnerships at baseline and 4 at follow up. Four new partnerships were reported (I HIV and 3 syphilis).

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results from this ongoing study suggest that a large percentage of sexual partnerships dissolved after partner notification for HIV and for syphilis. Some partnerships became abstinent but condom use changed little among those remaining sexually active. The changes in partnerships and behaviors after HIV partner notification appeared similar to changes after syphilis partner notification.

PRESENTER CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name: Dr. Patty Kissinger
Address: Louisiana State University
136 South Roman Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
Telephone: (504) 568-7306
Fax: (504) 568-5313

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National HIV Prevention Conference, 1999. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 29- September 1, 1999.

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