UPTAKE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIV ASSISTED PARTNER NOTIFICATIONSERVICES AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN KISUMU CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY,KENYA: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Abstract

Background: Assisted partner notification services aid in the identification and treatment of undiagnosed HIV cases and prevent further transmission. However, it is underutilized among the key populations, particularly female sex workers (FSWs). This study assessed the uptake of partner notification services (PNS) and associated factors among FSWs in Kisumu Central Sub- County, Kisumu. With a niche on preferred HIV partner Notification method,

and Time to HIV partner Notification service.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convergent parallel mixed-method approach to gather data from 310 FSW and 20 Healthcare providers, with enrolment carried out using systematic random sampling and purposive sampling for the qualitative strand in January 2024. Quantitative data were analyzed using R version 4.3.1, applying chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression to explore associations between variables. Qualitative data were analyzed with Dedoose and reflexive thematic analysis to understand factors associated with PNS uptake

Results: The study enrolled 171 FSWs, revealing a response rate of 55%. Only 12.9% (22/171) had undertaken PNS, with the majority 74.3% (127/171), unaware of their partners’ HIV status. Contract referral, 93% (159/171) was the most preferred notification method. None of the variables (age category, marital status, duration of sex work, and the number of sexual contacts) exhibited significant predictors of uptake of partner notification (p>0.05). Facilitators to partner notification included willingness to disclose and professional delivery

of partner notification by trained personnel, while barriers included fear of violence, stigma, and lack of contact with sexual partners.

Conclusion: Interventions should focus on reducing key barriers while

strengthening supportive, professional partner notification approaches to enhance participation. This will enable a safe environment where FSWs feel empowered to disclose their HIV status.