Partner Notification of STI/HIV in the Republic Of Guinea: Distinguishing between verbal and non verbal behavior among women who reported having STI/HIV in the last 12 months

Purpose

Africa bears the world's heaviest burden of HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS distribution and transmission patterns vary widely across the continent. Because Africa lacks adequate health and economic infrastructures to address the epidemic, African nationals will need to seek more affordable ways to combat the disease. Because STI/HIV are transmitted predominantly in Afrika, through sexual activity between men and women, interpersonal communication may be a key to modifying sexual behavior and effectively prevent transmission. This presentation distinguishes forms of behavior that may enhance partner notification of STI/HIV using the Related Behavior Model (RBM).

Data

Data were obtained from the Republic of Guinea 2005 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) (MacroInt), containing variables that include family planning discussions and behavior, family marital structure, knowledge of STI/HIV and partner notification.

Method

Thematic, hermeneutic, factor and alpha analyses were used to select variables for constructs of the RBM. The variables were scored and dichotomized. Logistic Regression was used to determine relationships between Knowledge of STI/HIV and Family Planning, Family Marital Structure, Family Planning Discussions, Family Planning Practice and Partner Notification of STI/HIV.

Major Results

Partner notification was strongly predicted by Knowledge of STI/HIV and Family Planning Discussions. Family Marital Structure and Prior Family Planning Practice did not significantly predict partner notification.

Policy Implications and Recommendations

Because Afrikan populations are predominantly resource poor, intensive, health education program policies that encourage family planning discussion among adolescents and women of childbearing age with spouses may be key to curbing STI/HIV spread in Africa and other “resource poor settings.