An exploration into the experiences of MSM when engaging in PN -1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study to explore the experiences of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), when participating in Partner Notification (PN), three months following a HIV diagnosis.
IRAS ID
144781
Contact name
Nigel Sherriff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Brighton University
Research summary
Partner Notification (PN) can help in the detection of Human Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV), but fear of stigma around disclosure and concerns about of confidentiality are potential barriers (Sullivan 2007). Literature on HIV PN in the United Kingdom is often audit based (Forbes et al 2008, Mc Clean et al 2006, British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH)/British HIV Association (BHIVA) 2013). A National Aids Trust (NAT) symposium on HIV PN stated it was often under-resourced, unperformed or unacknowledged (NAT 2012).
A qualitative study will be undertaken to elicit the experiences of newly diagnosed HIV positive MSM when undertaking partner notification with Health Care Professionals.
Fifteen HIV positive MSM will be recruited from the local HIV outpatient setting for qualitative semi structured interviews. Clinical staff will discuss the research study with potential participants that meet the inclusion criteria. Participant Information Sheets will be given to those participants that are interested in the study and referred to the Researcher. Informed consent will be obtained at least 24 hours after this by the Researcher. Interviews will be recorded verbatim. Framework analysis will be used to analyse the data.
Each new HIV diagnosis costs the National Health Service between £280,000 and £ 360,000 (HPA 2012). Exploring experiences of PN using a qualitative approach will generate data showing a deeper understanding of this process, informing future local policy and influence more robust HIV PN studies.REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0307
Date of REC Opinion
16 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion