A randomized controlled trial for reducing risks for sexually transmitted infections through enhanced patient-based partner notification.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. tracey.wilson@downstate.edu
Tracey E
TE
Wilson
Matthew
M
Hogben
Edmond S
ES
Malka
Nicole
N
Liddon
William M
WM
McCormack
Steve R
SR
Rubin
Michael A
MA
Augenbraun
D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D018563:Disease Notification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016870:Neisseriaceae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011159:Population Surveillance; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology