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Analysis of the sociodemography of gonorrhoea in Leeds, 1989-93

BMJ 1997; 314 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.314.7096.1715 (Published 14 June 1997) Cite this as: BMJ 1997;314:1715
  1. Charles J N Lacey (c.lacey{at}ic.ac.uk), consultant physiciana,
  2. David W Merrick, statisticianb,
  3. David C Bensley, regional statisticianb,
  4. Ian Fairley, senior registrara
  1. a Department of Genitourinary Medicine, General Infirmary, Leeds LS1 3EX
  2. b Regional Public Health Analysis Unit, Northern and Yorkshire Regional Health Authority, Harrogate HG1 5AH
  1. Correspondence to: Dr C J N Lacey Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Communicable Diseases, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, London W2 1PG
  • Accepted 22 May 1997

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of gonorrhoea in an urban area in the United Kingdom.

Design: Analysis of all cases of gonorrhoea with regard to age, sex, ethnic group, and socioeconomic group with 1991 census data as a denominator.

Setting: Leeds, a comparatively large urban area (population around 700 000) in the United Kingdom.

Subjects: All residents of Leeds with culture proved cases of gonorrhoea during 1989-93.

Main outcome measure: Relative risk of gonorrhoea.

Results: Sex, age, race, and socioeconomic group and area of residence were all independently predictive of risk of infection. Young black men aged 20-29 were at highest risk, with incidences of 3-4% per year. Black subjects were 10 times more likely than white subjects to acquire infection, and subjects from the most deprived socioeconomic areas were more than four times more likely than those from the most affluent areas to acquire infection.

Conclusions: Different ethnic and socioeconomic groups vary in their risk of infection with gonorrhoea within an urban area. Targeted interventions and screening to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted disease are now priorities.

Key messages

  • Ethnic group and socioeconomic group or area of residence are independent risk factors for gonorrhoea

  • Ethnic group and factors associated with neighbourhood of residence may modulate sexual risk factors through cultural and behavioural mechanisms

  • Sexual risk reduction and disease screening interventions targeted at groups at greater risk should now be evaluated

Footnotes

  • Accepted 22 May 1997
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