Behavioral intentions in sexual partnerships following a diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis

To describe behavioral intentions regarding notification of sex partners and continuation of sexual relationships after a Chlamydia trachomatis diagnosis among women.

Data are from a study of women diagnosed with C. trachomatis during 2005-2007 in Connecticut. Participants (n=135) reported their intentions to notify each of their sex partners in the past 3 months (n=187) of the infection and intentions to continue these relationships; generalized estimating equations were used to determine correlates of intentions. Reasons for these intentions were also described.

Participants intended not to notify 25% of sex partners; correlates were partnership duration and relationship quality. Participants intended not to continue 59% of sexual relationships; correlates included partnership duration, beliefs about partner's monogamy, and relationship quality. Intentions to notify partners and continue relationships were statistically associated (p=0.002). Non-mutually exclusive reasons for intending not to notify partners included no perceived need (46%), unwillingness to discuss the issue (43%), fear/discomfort with potential consequences (19%), and inability to locate partner (8%). Reasons for intending not to continue relationships were often related to the diagnosis (48%).

Sex partnership characteristics are the most salient correlates for intentions not to notify partners and continue relationships. Clinicians can identify those who are less likely to notify their partners and explore reasons for these intentions to promote behaviors to reduce further C. trachomatis transmission.