Abstract
Background: Assisted Partner Notification Services (APNS) support HIV disclosure and reduce HIV transmission. Despite this potential, APNS remains underutilized due to several barriers. A clearer understanding of APNS utilization, barriers, and the facilitators is essential to guide APNS improvement. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the level of APNS utilization, barriers, and facilitators for its uptake among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Singida. Methods: We employed a convergent mixed-methods design. A cross-sectional survey quantified APNS utilization and its associated factors among PLWH who have sexual partners, while complementary qualitative interviews explored perceived barriers and facilitators from the perspectives of both PLWH and healthcare providers. Results: In the Singida region, only forty percent of participants reported the use of APNS. Higher knowledge of HIV disclosure was positively associated with uptake (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 2.28–2.81; p = 0.02), whereas depressive symptoms reduced engagement (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99; p = 0.027). Qualitative interviews in Singida identified multilevel barriers, including stigma, gender dynamics, and cultural constraints. Facilitators provided supportive medical advice, non-judgmental counseling, and assurances of confidentiality. Conclusions: Findings reveal low APNS uptake in Singida, constrained by stigma and cultural dynamics. Strengthening knowledge of disclosure, providing supportive medical advice, and ensuring confidentiality may enhance the use of APNS.
Keywords
Publication details
- DOI
- 10.3390/joma3010006
- Journal
- Journal of the Oman Medical Association, 3(1), 6
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Open access
- Gold open access
- License
- CC BY 4.0
Cite this article
APA 7
Alexander, A. G., Mmbaga, B. T., Paul, E., Daniel, N. H., Barabara, M. L., Mlyomi, A. G., Muro, F. J., Barlett, J. A., & Muiruri, C. (2026). Assisted Partner Notification Services Utilization, Barriers, and Facilitators Among People Living with HIV in Singida: A Mixed-Method Study. Journal of the Oman Medical Association, 3(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/joma3010006
MLA 9
Alexander, Alex Gabagambi, et al. "Assisted Partner Notification Services Utilization, Barriers, and Facilitators Among People Living with HIV in Singida: A Mixed-Method Study." Journal of the Oman Medical Association, vol. 3, no. 1, 2026, pp. 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/joma3010006.
Chicago (author–date)
Alexander, Alex Gabagambi, Blandina Theophil Mmbaga, Edna Paul, Noela H. Daniel, Mariam L. Barabara, Aloyce George Mlyomi, Florida Joseph Muro, John A. Barlett, and Charles Muiruri. 2026. "Assisted Partner Notification Services Utilization, Barriers, and Facilitators Among People Living with HIV in Singida: A Mixed-Method Study." Journal of the Oman Medical Association 3 (1): 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/joma3010006.
Harvard
Alexander, A. G., Mmbaga, B. T., Paul, E., Daniel, N. H., Barabara, M. L., Mlyomi, A. G., Muro, F. J., Barlett, J. A. and Muiruri, C. (2026) 'Assisted Partner Notification Services Utilization, Barriers, and Facilitators Among People Living with HIV in Singida: A Mixed-Method Study', Journal of the Oman Medical Association, 3(1), pp. 6. doi:10.3390/joma3010006.
Vancouver
Alexander AG, Mmbaga BT, Paul E, Daniel NH, Barabara ML, Mlyomi AG, et al. Assisted Partner Notification Services Utilization, Barriers, and Facilitators Among People Living with HIV in Singida: A Mixed-Method Study. Journal of the Oman Medical Association. 2026;3(1):6. doi:10.3390/joma3010006
IEEE
A. G. Alexander, B. T. Mmbaga, E. Paul, N. H. Daniel, M. L. Barabara, A. G. Mlyomi, F. J. Muro, J. A. Barlett, and C. Muiruri, "Assisted Partner Notification Services Utilization, Barriers, and Facilitators Among People Living with HIV in Singida: A Mixed-Method Study," Journal of the Oman Medical Association, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 6, 2026, doi: 10.3390/joma3010006.