Characteristics of gay persons with sexually transmitted disease

Two hundred sixty-one male homosexuals and one hundred four female homosexuals completed questionnaires dealing with patterns of sexual activity and experience with sexually transmitted diseases. Among lesbians, a history of gonorrhea or syphilis was associated with heterosexual activity. Among gay males, gonorrhea and syphilis were associated with white race, residence in an urban area, low income, and high scores on the Brief Michigan Alcoholism Test. Male homosexuals had more episodes of gonorrhea and syphilis than did female homosexuals. Among male homosexuals the number of sex partners was greater among young urban residents. Poor health practices with respect to sexually transmitted diseases (i.e., delay in seeking treatment, self-treatment, and lack of regular check-ups) were more common among the older, less-well educated, and nonurban groups of gay males.