Partner notification for sexually transmitted diseases: an overview of the evidence
Oxman, A.D.; Scott, E.A.; Sellors, J.W.; Clarke, J.H.; Millson, M.E.; Rasooly, I.; Frank, J.W.; Naus, M.; Goldblatt, E.
Canadian Journal of Public Health 85(Suppl): S41-S47
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-4263 PMID: 7987758 Document Number: 436321
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of alternative partner notification strategies for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B. Data sources: Studies were identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCISEARCH and other databases, review of reference lists and personal contact with over 80 international experts. Study selection: Studies with at least two comparison groups exposed to different partner notification strategies were included. Data extraction: Methodological rigor was assessed, and information regarding study populations, interventions and outcomes was extracted independently by two reviewers. Main results: Twelve studies met our inclusion criteria; five were methodologically strong; seven provided data on the referral process; four provided data on trained interviewers compared with routine care providers; and three provided data on the interview process. Conclusions: Only limited, broad conclusions regarding the effectiveness of various partner notification approaches could be drawn from these comparative studies. Until newer data become available, practice guidelines must be based to a large extent on other grounds.