Health-related characteristics of men who have sex with men : a comparison of those living in "gay ghettos" with those living elsewhere

T. Mills, R. Stall, L. Pollack, J. Paul, D. Binson, J. Canchola

Objectives: This study investigated the limitations of probability samples of men who have sex with men (MSM), limited to single cities and to the areas of highest concentrations of MSM ("gay ghettos"). Methods: A probability sample of 2881 MSM in 4 American cities completed interviews by telephone. Results: MSM who resided in ghettos differed from other MSM, although in different ways in each city. Non-ghetto-dwelling MSM were less involved in the gay and lesbian community. They were also less likely to have only male sexual partners, to identify as gay, and to have been tested for HIV. Conclusions: These differences between MSM who live in gay ghettos and those who live elsewhere have clear implications for HIV prevention efforts and health care planning.