Are partner services generally perceived as being acceptable by 1) HIV/STD patients, 2) partners, and 3) private providers?
A. Few data exist addressing acceptability of STD partner services, although existing training for DIS includes methods to maximize acceptability. A recent systematic review of the acceptability of HIV partner counseling and referral services (PCRS) found that 1) the majority of potential clients (i.e.,. HIV-infected or HIV-negative persons who have had no direct experience with HIV PCRS) surveyed indicated they would be willing to participate in client referral (i.e., self-notify a partner), 2) most potential clients would be willing to let health department personnel notify their partners, 3) the majority of HIV-infected PCRS clients used provider referral to notify one or more partners, 4) the majority of partners either wanted to be notified or were comfortable with notification by a health-care provider, and 5) the majority of providers are in favor of partner notification. HIV partner services are considered very acceptable by diverse groups when conducted appropriately.
