HIV Partner Index

Background:  Currently prevention services (interviews, partner notification, and counseling) are offered to persons with a newly diagnosed HIV infection and persons with a newly diagnosed STD and a prior HIV infection diagnosis. Data that measure what is actually done is needed to guide decisions.

Objectives:  To determine and compare the partner index for persons diagnosed with a new HIV infection and persons that were previously reported as HIV positive, whom are currently diagnosed with a new STD.

Methods:  Data was extracted from the state data files reported in 2010.  The partner index was calculated for persons diagnosed with a new HIV infection and persons that were previously reported as HIV positive, whom are currently diagnosed with a new STD.

Results:  Persons with a new HIV infection (n= 2,586) were interviewed in Florida. 2,215 partners were named which resulted in a partner index of 0.86.   Persons with a previously diagnosed HIV infection (2,905) and a new STD diagnosis were interviewed in Florida. 1,610 partners were named which resulted in a partner index 0.55.

Conclusions:  The partner index for persons with a previously diagnosed HIV infection and a new STD diagnosis is significantly less than (p<.001) the partner index for persons with a new HIV infection.  If more people with an old HIV diagnosis were interviewed the partner index may rise, which could prevent the further spread of the disease

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research:  Programs considering rationing services as a means to increase program effectiveness must consider the synergistic effects of their actions.