Beyond Disease Intervention: Exploring an Expanded Role for Partner Services in the MATRix-NC Demonstration Project

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Disease intervention specialists (DIS) traditionally provide partner services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• This study assessed an expanded role for DIS, focusing on clients diagnosed with HIV and/or syphilis and their social and sexual networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an expanded Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) service model.
• To assess the reach and impact of DIS-led chain-referral sampling among Black and Latinx men and transgender women who have sex with men in North Carolina.
• To identify the medical and social service needs of participants reached through this expanded DIS model.

Main Methods:

• Employed chain-referral sampling initiated by "seeds" (clients diagnosed with HIV/syphilis) to recruit sociosexual network "peers."
• Offered HIV/STI testing, care, and referrals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other social/medical services.
• Collected data via baseline, 1-month, and 3-month computerized surveys from participants.

Main Results:

• The study enrolled 42 "seeds" and 50 "peers," predominantly young, Black, cisgender men with low incomes and significant social needs (homelessness, lack of insurance).
• While PrEP awareness was higher among "seeds," utilization remained low, with 46% accessing PrEP by month 3 after referral.
• Participants received numerous referrals for critical non-STI services, including housing, primary care, and food assistance.

Conclusions:

• Chain-referral sampling through partner services effectively reached populations with substantial medical and social needs.
• Disease intervention specialists (DIS) can extend their support beyond traditional STI interventions to assist marginalized communities.
• The findings highlight the potential for DIS to serve as a vital link to comprehensive care for vulnerable populations.