To map evidence on youth-related partner notification experiences, practices, barriers, and facilitators in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on studies published between January 2016 and January 2026.
Key Findings:
117 articles identified, 82 screened, 10 full-text reviewed, 3 included in analysis, with 2 studies from Zimbabwe and 1 from South Africa.
Studies focused on youth aged 15-24 from Southern Africa.
Barriers to partner notification include health, infection, and social dynamics.
Interpretation:
Partner notification is essential for STI control but remains challenging for youth due to various personal and systemic factors that need to be addressed.
Limitations:
Limited number of studies specifically focusing on youth experiences with partner notification may affect the comprehensiveness of the findings.
Geographic concentration of studies in Southern Africa may limit the generalizability of the results to the entire sub-Saharan region.
Conclusion:
Partner notification is a critical strategy for STI control, yet it faces significant challenges among youth due to various barriers.
