Psychosocial and behavioral predictors of partner notification after HIV and STI exposure and infection among MSM

AIDS Behav. 2009 Aug;13(4):738-45. doi: 10.1007/s10461-008-9424-y. Epub 2008 Jul 18.

Abstract

Partner notification (PN) is an essential element of local and state-level HIV/STI prevention and control programs. The current study quantitatively assessed the psychosocial and behavioral predictors of PN use among men who have sex with men (MSM) (n = 189) using multivariable logistic regression procedures. STI history or being HIV-infected were significant predictors of having notified past sexual partners of HIV/STI exposure; engaging in unprotected insertive anal sex and using poppers during sex in the 12 months prior to enrollment resulted in greater odds of PN. Symptoms of social anxiety and having a drinking problem were significant predictors of future willingness to use state department of public health PN services. Efforts to increase PN acceptability should focus on HIV-uninfected MSM, particularly those with STI history. Results suggest how to increase acceptability and use of PN as a public health strategy and underscore the need for counseling as part of the notification process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / methods
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Contact Tracing / methods*
  • Contact Tracing / statistics & numerical data
  • Forecasting
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Massachusetts
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology
  • Sexual Behavior / statistics & numerical data
  • Sexual Partners
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / psychology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult