A randomized controlled trial for reducing risks for sexually transmitted infections through enhanced patient-based partner notification

Am J Public Health. 2009 Apr;99 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S104-10. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2007.112128. Epub 2008 Jun 12.

Abstract

Objectives: We sought to assess the effectiveness of approaches targeting improved sexually transmitted infection (STI) sexual partner notification through patient referral.

Methods: From January 2002 through December 2004, 600 patients with Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis were recruited from STI clinics and randomly assigned to either a standard-of-care group or a group that was counseled at the time of diagnosis and given additional follow-up contact. Participants completed an interview at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months and were checked at 6 months for gonorrhea or chlamydial infection via nucleic acid amplification testing of urine.

Results: Program participants were more likely to report sexual partner notification at 1 month (86% control, 92% intervention; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 3.0) and were more likely to report no unprotected sexual intercourse at 6 months (38% control, 48% intervention; AOR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1, 2.1). Gonorrhea or chlamydial infection was detected in 6% of intervention and 11% of control participants at follow-up (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1, 4.1), with greatest benefits seen among men (for gender interaction, P = .03).

Conclusions: This patient-based sexual partner notification program can help reduce risks for subsequent STIs among urban, minority patients presenting for care at STI clinics.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia Infections / prevention & control*
  • Chlamydia Infections / transmission
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Disease Notification / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / isolation & purification
  • Neisseriaceae Infections / epidemiology
  • Neisseriaceae Infections / prevention & control*
  • Neisseriaceae Infections / transmission
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Population Surveillance
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Risk-Taking
  • United States / epidemiology