Psychosocial and behavioral predictors of partner notification for STD and HIV exposure among men who have sex with men (MSM)

Background:
Partner notification (PN) is an essential element of local and state-level STD/HIV prevention and control programs and may help prevent the spread of STDs/HIV among individuals who engage in unsafe sexual behaviors with non-monogamous partners

Objective:
The current study assessed the psychosocial and behavioral predictors of PN use among MSM in Massachusetts.

Method:
The study used a convenience sample of STD clinic patients (n = 63) and a modified respondent-driven sampling method (n = 126) to reach a diverse sample of MSM (total n = 189). All participants completed a quantitative survey. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression techniques were performed, controlling for race/ethnicity and age.

Result:
Multivariable analysis revealed that participants were more likely to have notified past sexual partners if they reported: History of an STI (OR=3.6; p=.006) or being HIV-infected (OR=3.7; p=.007); in bivariate analyses, having unprotected insertive anal sex (OR=2.1; p=.05) and using poppers during sex in the 12-months prior to enrollment (OR=2.7; p=.01) were significant predictors. In multivariable analysis, social anxiety (SPIN screening instrument; OR=2.4; p=.05) and having a drinking problem (CAGE screening instrument; OR= 2.6; p=.04) were significant predictors of willingness to use state department of public health PN services for future HIV/STD exposure of their sexual partners.

Conclusion:
Efforts to increase PN acceptability should focus on HIV-uninfected MSM, particularly those with a history of STIs. Results further underscore the need for counseling as part of the notification process. Although some MSM may be willing to use PN in the future, avoidant-oriented coping may contribute to preventing them from translating willingness into action (intention).

Implications:
Identifying psychosocial and behavioral predictors of PN provides vital information about how to increase acceptability and use of PN as a public health strategy for preventing STDs/HIV among at risk MSM.