Analysis of the sociodemography of gonorrhoea in Leeds, 1989-93.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the epidemiology of gonorrhoea in an urban area in the United Kingdom.


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


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


METHODS
All residents of Leeds with culture proved cases of gonorrhoea during 1989-95.


METHODS
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.
Lacey
C J
CJ
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, General Infirmary, Leeds. c.lacey@ic.ac.uk
Merrick
D W
DW
Bensley
D C
DC
Fairley
I
I
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health