PARTNER NOTIFICATION WITH HIV-INFECTED DRUG-USERS - RESULTS OF FORMATIVE RESEARCH

The authors conducted formative research on the use of partner notific ation with HIV-infected drug users (i.e. those who use/abuse injectabl e drugs, crack or cocaine) in order to guide the development of an eff ective intervention for this population in New York City. Structured f ocus group and personal interviews were conducted with 25 in- and out- of-treatment drug users, 23 counsellors from a sexually transmitted di sease (STD) clinic and a methadone maintenance treatment programme (MM TP), and nine experts in the field of HIV partner notification and/or substance abuse prevention and treatment. Results revealed factors ass ociated with HIV-positive disclosure, the strengths and barriers of ex isting partner notification programmes and issues that should be consi dered in designing an effective intervention with HIV-infected drug us ers. Further research and planning activities are recommended before p iloting and evaluating such a programme.