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. 2005 Jun;81(3):271–275. doi: 10.1136/sti.2004.012872

Knowledge of sex partner treatment for past bacterial STI and risk of current STI

L Niccolai 1, J Ickovics 1, K Zeller 1, T Kershaw 1, S Milan 1, J Lewis 1, K Ethier 1
PMCID: PMC1744984  PMID: 15923301

Abstract

Methods: In a cross sectional analysis, 97 adolescent females sampled from community based health clinics reported that they had a past diagnosis of chlamydia or gonorrhoea in structured, face to face interviews. At the time of the interview, adolescents were also tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea using urine based ligase chain reaction testing.

Results: 66% of the adolescents reported knowing that their partner was treated for the past infection. Those who knew their partner was treated were less likely to have a current infection, compared to those who did not know (11% v 30%, adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval 4.46 (1.41 to 14.29), p<0.05). Correlates of not knowing the sex partner was treated included younger age and being in new sex partnership.

Conclusions: Efforts to encourage young women to follow up directly with their partners regarding treatment may help to reduce repeat infections and further spread. Furthermore, alternative strategies such as patient delivered therapy may help with partner treatment in this vulnerable population.

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Selected References

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