, 20.6% were primary and 2% were secondary referrals giving an average referral rate of 23%. Respondents with multiple sex partners were less likely to refer their partners compared to those who had one partner (17.9% vs 82.1%, p<0.005). Counseling of STI patients on the importance of partner referral was more effective than issuing referral cards alone (72.8% vs 56.8% % p= <0.006). Barriers to partner notification included partners being out of town (44.6%) fear of quarrels and violence from partners (32.5%) and casual partners (15.1%) whose sex partners were unknown. Conclusion: Counseling and understanding of STIs patients on the need to treat all sexual partners is pivotal to the success of partner referral.
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