Mapping evidence on youth experiences and practices on partner notification for sexually transmitted infections in sub-Saharan Africa: scoping review

Abstract

Introduction Partner notification (PN) involves informing current and past sexual partners of their potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and encouraging them to seek testing and treatment. Effective PN is critical for STI control, yet little is known about how youth in sub-Saharan Africa experience and practice PN. This paper reports on a mapping of evidence on youth-related PN experiences, practices, barriers, and facilitators in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, complemented by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Evidence published between January 2016 and January 2026 was searched on PubMed, SCOPUS, Medline, CINHAL and OVID. The database search took place in February 2026. The terms used for review included (“youth” OR “adolescent” OR “young people” AND “partner notification” OR “contact tracing” AND “sexually transmitted infection” OR “STI” AND “sub Saharan africa” OR “sub-Saharan countries”). Screening of titles and abstracts, and data extraction were conducted independently; discrepancies were resolved by the third reviewer. Results A total of 117 articles were identified with 59 duplicates records removed. Eighty-two records titles and abstracts were screened, and 69 articles were excluded. Ten studies proceeded to full-text screening, of which three of them met eligibility criteria for inclusion and were retained for analysis. The three articles were from Southern Africa and were youth focused, covering the ages 15–24 years. Two of the studies were conducted in Zimbabwe, followed by South Africa ( n = 1). The study designs included cohort study ( n = 1), mixed method ( n = 1) and qualitative intervention design ( n = 1). The barriers to PN were identified as centering around factors relating to health, infection, and social dynamics. Conclusion Partner notification remains a critical strategy for STI control. However, the review reflected that PN remains difficult among youth. Youth's partner notification is affected by patient related factors, sociocultural factors and health system factors. Scoping Review Registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/8972W .