ArticleSexually transmitted diseases2026
Evaluation of Partner Notification Strategies to Improve Syphilis Management in Pregnancy in Blantyre, Malawi: A Mixed-Methods Study.
Article in Sexually transmitted diseases, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Overview of the Shanghai International Syphilis Symposium (SISS 2025).Sexually transmitted diseases · 2026Article
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15 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundCongenital syphilis remains a major global health challenge, driven partly by maternal reinfection during pregnancy. Partner notification (PN) is critical to prevent reinfection and reduce mother-to-child transmission, yet evidence on its uptake and effectiveness is limited. We aimed to assess PN coverage, outcomes, and barriers among pregnant women with syphilis in Blantyre, Malawi.
methodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study at 4 primary health centers (Mpemba, Zingwangwa, South Lunzu, and Bangwe). A cross-sectional survey at delivery enrolled women with documented syphilis in the current pregnancy (positive treponemal rapid diagnostic test). PN was defined as informing partners of potential exposure and the need for testing; appropriate partner management was defined as partner testing and treatment according to results. Semistructured interviews with women and healthcare workers were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
resultsAmong 131 women, 117/131 (89.3%) reported notifying partners; however, only 76/131 (58.0%) partners were tested, and a similar but nonidentical 76/131 (58.0%) received treatment. Appropriate partner management was completed in 40/131 (30.5%). Partner treatment was associated with being married or cohabiting (74/76, 97.4% vs 43/55, 78.2%; P = 0.0005), but not with age, HIV status, education, or adverse birth outcomes. Qualitative findings identified predominantly patient-led PN, with barriers, including fear of partner reaction, stigma, misinformation, and partner reluctance to access care; facilitators included community sensitization and healthcare worker involvement.
conclusionsSubstantial attrition occurs between notification and partner management, highlighting critical gaps in the cascade. These findings support the need for standardized PN metrics and context-specific, multicomponent interventions addressing health system barriers.
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