The use of the CAGE questionnaire in a cohort of homosexually active men

The prevalence and correlates of alcohol-related problems measured by the CAGE questionnaire were investigated in a population of 249 homosexually active men at a Boston community health center. Two hundred eight men (79.4%) reported alcohol use during the past 6 months and 22.9% (27.4% of alcohol users) were CAGE positive (two or more positive responses). Increased frequency of alcohol use was strongly associated with CAGE positivity (p < .001). Controlling for frequency of alcohol use, cigarette smoking was independently associated with a positive CAGE score. Other substance use and demographic variables were not independently associated with CAGE problems.