Partner notification of sexually transmitted disease in an obstetric and gynecologic setting

Objective: To survey obstetrician-gynecologists regarding current approache s to partner notification of women with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs ) and to relate reported practices to state requirements. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to community, hospital-employe d, and university-based physicians within a single health care system. The survey was designed to assess physician demographics, knowledge, and attitu des about partner notification of women with STDs. Results: One hundred eight (49%) of 222 surveys were returned. Respondents were 36% private practitioners, 38% hospital-employed, and 23% university f aculty physicians. Although most correctly identified the importance of par tner notification for several STDs, they (63 of 108, 58%, confidence interv al [CI] 50%, 67%) could not identify all of those conditions. Most responde nts (84 of 108, 78%, CI 69%, 85%) were unaware of all required reportable S TDs and the state's preferred method of partner notification. The vast majo rity of respondents (96 of 108, 89%, CI 82%, 94%) relied on women to notify their partners of the STD. Conclusion: Educational efforts are needed to increase physician awareness of required reportable STDs and the role of partner notification and treatm ent in disease control. Physicians need to be aware of state regulations fo r partner notification when they are in practice. Development of standard a lgorithms for partner notification and treatment might be needed. (C) 1999 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.