Olugbemiga Ekundayo, MD, MPH, Public Health Program, Center for HIV Prevention Evaluation, Policy and Research, Morgan State University Public Health Program, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Jenkins 343, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443-885-3561, maxima1757@aol.com and Mian B. Hossain, MSC, MHS, PhD, MPH/DrPH Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Building, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001.

Purpose: We explored the relationships between Partner Notification and the predicting domains of Goal Importance, Normative Beliefs and Outcome Evaluation, using a modified Theory of Planned Behavior with Goal Importance Data Used: We used data from Demographic Health Surveys from Macro International. We used samples from the 1999 survey for Nigeria and Guinea in West Afrika, to explore partner notification and its predictors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using secondary data. We performed bivariate analysis, defined the domains using appropriate variables and performed Regression analyses to determine relationships. We hypothesize that polygynous family structures negatively influence Partner Notification in Sub Saharan Afrika. Major Results: A significant proportion of the populations have polygynous family structures. Partner Notification was more frequent among monogynous families. Partner notification could not be predicted using Normative Beliefs and Outcome Evaluation although these were identified as important social domains. Recommendations for Policy: Although stigma is an important factor for protecting the rights of HIV carriers, status none disclosure or silence carries important risk for HIV transmission especially when it helps potential victims to make preventive decisions and take appropriate action. Although this issue is being addressed, especially in Sub-Sahara Afrika, where HIV/AIDS management systems are weak and inadequate to prevent or address the disease.

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