Intentions to use patient-initiated partner notification and acceptability of provider-initiated partner notification for Sexually Transmitted Infections - A cross-sectional survey among minibus taxi drivers in Gauteng Province, South Africa

BackgroundIn South Africa, utilization of patient-initiated partner-notification (PN) using referral-slip in the management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is limited and only a limited number of sexual partners are ever notified. The study assessed the use of patient-initiated PN method using notification and referral slips and measured the level of acceptability of provider-initiated PN using short-message-service (SMS) to personal mobile phones of sexual partners.\n\nMethodsA quantitative survey using anonymous structured self-administered and researcher assisted questionnaires was conducted among minibus taxi drivers in the nine major taxi ranks in Gauteng province, South Africa.\n\nResultsThe sample consisted of 722 minibus taxi drivers with a mean age of 37.2 years old, 284 (59.5%) had multiple sexual partners, 368 (52.2%) did not use a condom during last sexual act, 286 (42.8%) reported inconsistent use of condoms, and 459 (65%) tested for HIV in the past 12 months. Majority (n=709, 98.2%) understood the importance of PN once diagnosed with STI, but would prefer delivering PN referral slip (n=670, 93.2%) over telling a partner face to face if they themselves were diagnosed with STI. Acceptability of provider-initiated PN using SMS was 452 (62.7%) and associated with history of HIV testing in the past year (OR=1.72, p=0.002, CI: 1.21-2.45). The perceived use of PN referral-slip from sexual partner to seek treatment was 91.8% (n=659). About a third (n=234, 32.5%) were not in favor of provider-initiated PN by SMS and preferred telling partners face to face.\n\nConclusionThere were contrasting findings on the acceptability and utilization of existing patient-initiated PN and the proposed PN using SMS from health providers. The preference of delivering PN referral slip to sexual partner over face-to-face PN renders communicating about STIs the responsibility of health providers. Therefore, they have an opportunity to provide patients with options to choose a PN method that is best suited to their relationships and circumstances and modify PN messages to encourage partners to use the different PN to prevent STIs.