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Enhanced Patient-Based Referral for Sexually Transmitted Infection Notification

An Effective Practice

Description

The Enhanced Patient-Based Referral for Sexually Transmitted Infection Notification intervention program encourages patients with Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis to notify sexual partners of their diagnosis. The intervention consisted of 2 sessions. The first of these sessions occurs in the clinic at the time of STI diagnosis. Activities to support behavior change include one-on-one counseling that involves discussion of STI risk behaviors, identification of eligible sexual partners for notification, development of a sexual partner notification plan, role-playing exercises, and completion of a signed behavioral contract to notify sexual partners according to the notification plan. The second session takes place by phone or in person at a target of 4 weeks from the initial session and includes a review of progress and discussion of any remaining barriers to completion of the notification process.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this intervention is to promote patient referral among patients with a recent STI diagnosis.

Impact

Program participants were more likely to report sexual partner notification at 1 month and were more likely to report no unprotected sexual intercourse at 6 months.

Results / Accomplishments

Program participants were more likely to report sexual partner notification at 1 month and were more likely to report no unprotected sexual intercourse at 6 months . Gonorrhea or chlamydial infection was detected in 6% of intervention and 11% of control participants at follow-up, with greatest benefits seen among men.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, and CDC
Primary Contact
Tracey E. Wilson, PhD
School of Public Health, Mail Stop Code 43
State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center
450 Clarkson Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11203
718-270-2105
Tracey.Wilson@downstate.edu
http://www.downstate.edu/
Topics
Health / Immunizations & Infectious Diseases
Organization(s)
State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, and CDC
Source
American Journal of Public Health Mar2009 Supplement, pS104-S110
Date of publication
Mar 2009
Date of implementation
Jan 2002
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
New York (Brooklyn)
Target Audience
Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Kansas Health Matters