The current study assessed "the effectiveness of approaches targeting improved sexually transmitted infection (STI) sexual partner notification through patient referral."

From January 2002 to December 2004, the researchers recruited 600 patients with Neisseria gonorhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis from STI clinics. Participants were randomly assigned to either a standard-of-care group or a group that was counseled at diagnosis and given additional follow-up contact. Interviews were given at baseline, one month, and six months, and patients were checked at six months for gonorrhea or chlamydial infection using urine-based nucleic acid amplification testing.

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

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

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