Partner notification for sexually transmitted infections and perception of notified partners

Authors

  • Elani Graça Ferreira Cavalcante Universidade Federal do Ceará; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem
  • Mahara Coelho Crisostomo Miranda Universidade Federal do Ceará; Faculdade de Farmácia; Odontologia e Enfermagem
  • Ana Zaiz Flores Hormain Teixeira de Carvalho Universidade Federal do Ceará; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem
  • Ivana Cristina Vieira de Lima Universidade Federal do Ceará; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem
  • Marli Teresinha Gimeniz Galvão Universidade Federal do Ceará; Departamento de Enfermagem

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420160000400011

Keywords:

Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV Infections, Sexual Partners, Contact Tracing, Public Health Nursing

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Learn the perceptions of patients with sexually transmitted infections and sexual partners who are notified of the infection. METHOD A descriptive and qualitative study, based on the collective subject discourse technique, was conducted in four healthcare centers of reference in Fortaleza, Ceará, from March to July 2014. The sample comprised 21 subjects (11 index patients and 10 notified partners). RESULTS The index patients reported complicity, concern about the partner's health and revelation of diagnosis aiming to preserve the relationship. The partners showed antagonistic perceptions: tranquility-betrayal, fear of death, of incurability and the diagnosis, especially of HIV. The reasons for coming to a healthcare center were: fear of being sick, attenuation of guilt of infection transmission, need for diagnosis, early start of treatment. CONCLUSION Fear of losing trust, insecurities when dealing with a sexual infection and being responsible or co-responsible for the transmission were the predominant feelings. Various types of partner notification were reported (verbal, telephone, notification card), according to individual convenience. This study suggests the use of alternative methods of notification and an integrated system of notification.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2016-06-01

Issue

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

Cavalcante, E. G. F., Miranda, M. C. C., Carvalho, A. Z. F. H. T. de, Lima, I. C. V. de, & Galvão, M. T. G. (2016). Partner notification for sexually transmitted infections and perception of notified partners. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 50(3), 450-457. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420160000400011