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Evaluation of a population-based program of expedited partner therapy for gonorrhea and chlamydial infection.
Sex Transm Dis 2007; 34(8):598-603.
Golden MR, Hughes JP, Brewer DD, Holmes KK, Whittington WLM, Hogben
M, Malinski C, Golding A, Handsfield HH.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a partner notification program for gonorrhea and chlamydial
infection that involves communitywide access to free patient-delivered partner
therapy (PDPT) and use of case-report forms to triage patients to receive
partner notification assistance. METHODS: We evaluated program components
in randomly selected cases and compared outcomes before and after program
institution. RESULTS: Following institution of the program, the percentage
of cases who received PDPT from their diagnosing clinician increased from
5.6% to 16% (adjusted OR 3.2, 2.5-4.1). Among randomly selected cases, those
referred to the health department via the case-report form were significantly
more likely than nonreferred cases to have untreated sex partners (76% vs.
35%, OR 6.0, 95% CI 4.5-8.0), to accept PDPT from the health department (36%
vs. 14%, 3.3, 95% CI 2.4-4.7), and to request that health department staff
notify a partner for them (11% vs. 3%, OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.7). The percentage
of cases classified as having all of their partners treated increased from
39% to 65% concurrent with institution of the program. CONCLUSIONS: A public
health program that promotes routine use of PDPT and referral of selected
patients for partner notification assistance appears to have improved partner
notification outcomes.