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AIDS and Behavior
Published in: AIDS and Behavior 10/2021

Open Access 01-10-2021 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Original Paper

Health Worker Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators of Assisted Partner Notification for HIV for Refugees and Ugandan Nationals: A Mixed Methods Study in West Nile Uganda

Authors: Robin E. Klabbers, Timothy R. Muwonge, Emmanuel Ayikobua, Diego Izizinga, Ingrid V. Bassett, Andrew Kambugu, Alexander C. Tsai, Miranda Ravicz, Gonnie Klabbers, Kelli N. O’Laughlin

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 10/2021

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Abstract

Assisted partner notification (APN) is recommended by the World Health Organization to notify sexual partners of HIV exposure. Since 2018, APN has been offered in Uganda to Ugandan nationals and refugees. Distinct challenges faced by individuals in refugee settlements may influence APN utilization and effectiveness. To explore APN barriers and facilitators, we extracted index client and sexual partner data from APN registers at 11 health centers providing care to refugees and Ugandan nationals in West Nile Uganda and conducted qualitative interviews with health workers (N = 32). Since APN started, 882 index clients participated in APN identifying 1126 sexual partners. Following notification, 95% (1025/1126) of partners tested for HIV; 22% (230/1025) were diagnosed with HIV with 14% (139/1025) of tested partners newly diagnosed. Fear of stigma and disclosure-related violence limit APN utilization and effectiveness. Prospective research involving index clients and sexual partners is needed to facilitate safe APN optimization in refugee settlements.
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Metadata
Title
Health Worker Perspectives on Barriers and Facilitators of Assisted Partner Notification for HIV for Refugees and Ugandan Nationals: A Mixed Methods Study in West Nile Uganda
Authors
Robin E. Klabbers
Timothy R. Muwonge
Emmanuel Ayikobua
Diego Izizinga
Ingrid V. Bassett
Andrew Kambugu
Alexander C. Tsai
Miranda Ravicz
Gonnie Klabbers
Kelli N. O’Laughlin
Publication date
01-10-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
AIDS and Behavior / Issue 10/2021
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-021-03265-1

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