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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Computer-assisted survey of attitudes to HIV and sexually transmissible infection partner notification in HIV-positive men who have sex with men

Clare L. N. Woodward A C , Sherie Roedling A , Simon G. Edwards A , Alice Armstrong A and John Richens B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A The Mortimer Market Centre, Camden PCT, London WC1I 6JB, UK.

B Royal Free and University College Medical School, London NW3 2PF, UK.

C Corresponding author. Email: clare.woodward@camdenpct.nhs.uk

Sexual Health 7(4) 460-462 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH09146
Submitted: 15 December 2009  Accepted: 20 April 2010   Published: 10 November 2010

Abstract

Background: HIV infection continues to rise in men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK. Of concern are the high rates of sexually transmissible infections (STI) among HIV-positive MSM, as this is associated with onward HIV transmission. Conventional partner notification (PN) may be limited in this group by the presence of multiple non-contactable partners and the fear of breach of HIV status. Methods: We explored attitudes to PN in HIV-positive MSM having an STI screen using a computer-assisted self interview. Results and Conclusion: Our study shows HIV+ MSM, rate conventional methods of PN highly (median rating 8/10) but are also supportive of new approaches to PN particularly anonymous email when linked to website information. They would also be open to targeted interventions such as peer recruitment.

Additional keywords: health adviser, peer recruitment.


References


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