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Young people’s preferences and motivations for STI partner notification: observational findings from the 2024 Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll survey

Stephanie Munari , Jane Goller , Jacqueline Coombe , Ana Orozco , Sarah Eddy , Jane Hocking , Margaret Hellard, Megan Lim

Abstract

Background Partner notification is an important step in the control of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). STIs remain at high rates among young people and can have serious reproductive consequences if left untreated. This study aimed to determine the preferences and motivations for partner notification among young people in Australia. Methods Quantitative and free-text qualitative data were collected through the 2024 Sex Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll survey, an annual cross-sectional survey conducted among people aged 15–29 years old in Victoria, Australia. Respondents were recruited using convenience sampling through social media advertisements. Counts and proportions were calculated for the preferences and motivations for partner notification by regular and casual sexual partners, and method of communication. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse free text responses. Results The partner notification module of the survey was completed by 1,163 people (60.3% identified as women, 40.2% as heterosexual) who provided a total of 1,720 free-text responses. A majority, 1,056 (90.8%) stated that they would notify their sexual partners and 1,142 (98.2%) would want to be notified by a sexual partner of an STI risk. Qualitative analysis highlighted that respondents felt that partner notification is the responsible thing to do, to look after their own and partner’s health and protect others by reducing transmission. Few stated that embarrassment and fear of repercussion may make them less likely to notify or that it would depend on the type of relationship. Most preferred to notify regular partners face-to-face (941, 80.9%) and casual partners via text message (785, 67.5%). Conclusion Almost all young people want to notify and be notified by partners of an STI risk regardless of age, gender or sexual identity. Tailoring resources by communication method and partner type is one way in which practitioners and public health authorities can support young people in undertaking this important step in STI control.

SH24184  Accepted 17 December 2024

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