HIV seropositive drug users' attitudes towards partner notification (PCRS): Results from the SHIELD study in Baltimore, Maryland

Objective: To assess the attitudes of HIV seropositive current or former drug users towards HIV partner counseling and referral services (PCRS) and to determine if opinion varies by partner type. Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey using structured and semi-structured questions to measure attitudes towards PCRS. Results: The majority of the sample was African-American (97%), male (63%) and had been diagnosed with HIV for a mean of 7.9 years. Most agreed that PCRS would help stop the spread of HIV and AIDS (87%). A range of reactions to scenarios of their drug and sex partners being informed were observed and included positive reactions (e.g. PCRS as a means to facilitate testing of their partners and early treatment) to negative (e.g. feelings about guilt, shame and concern about partner responses). Conclusion: Data from this study indicate that HIV positive drug users view PCRS as a viable practice for preventing the spread of HIV, though barriers exist to engaging clients to identify partners. Practice implications: The range of reactions noted in this study underscore the importance of providing flexible options for PCRS based on partner type. Additional training for counselors, time for case-management and meetings with sex and drug partners and fieldwork for locating contacts are important considerations for providers.