Partner notification among HCV-positive couples who inject drugs. (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Famouri, Maryam L.; Shaw, Stacey A.; Terlikbayeva, Assel; Gilbert, Louisa; Hunt, Tim; Rozental, Yelena; El-Bassel, Nabila
• Is Part Of: Journal of substance use. Volume 21:Number 1(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Hepatitis C -- injection drug use -- Partner notification; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Medication abuse -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2014.960015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-9891

Abstract

Abstract: Background : This study examines predictors of partner notification (PN) confirmed by a test counselor among people who inject drugs (PWID) and their sexual partners in Kazakhstan. Methods : We used baseline data from an HIV couple-based intervention study, restricting the sample to couples where both partners knew they were hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive prior to participation in the study ( N = 136 individuals). Cross-tabulation and logistic regression were used to examine predictors of PN, including socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and drug risk behaviors, and access to health services. Results : Of the sample, 68 (50%) participants notified their partners of their HCV status. PN was associated with participation in a needle/syringe exchange program and sexually transmitted infection counseling or education in the past 6 months. In the adjusted model, concurrent HIV infection (OR = 2.4, p < 0.05), having more than one sexual partner (OR = 2.5, p < 0.05), and participation in a needle exchange program (OR = 4.3, p < 0.01) were positively associated with notifying one's partner. Conclusions : The findings from this study emphasize the importance of service access among PWID and point to the need for additional research on HCV counseling and notification strategies as a component of health services for injection drug users.