Themes

Sub-Themes

1. Interpersonal barriers experienced by male partners

1.1 The Stigma associated to the disease

1.2 Partners denial that encourage intimate physical abuse

1.3 Change of partners` attitude after being notified of the infection

1.4 Fear of rejection versus losing the partner

1.5 Feeling of embarrassment

2. Knowledge and Communication relating to notification

2.1 Inadequate contact information of the partner

2.2 Lack of knowledge about the benefits of
partner notification