SAFER SEX AND SOCIAL-CLASS - FINDINGS FROM A STUDY OF MEN USING THE GAY SCENE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS REGION OF THE UNITED-KINGDOM

This article reports on associations between socio-demographic factors and safer sexual behaviour among gay and bisexual men in an English r egion. A cross-sectional survey using an anonymous self-complete quest ionnaire collected information on sexual behaviour and sociodemographi c characteristics. All men using specified 'gay' venues and groups dur ing the data collection period, were offered inclusion. Of the 858 men returning completed questionnaires, a greater proportion (30.3%) were from manual occupations when compared to previous United Kingdom stud ies. Of the whole sample, 64.6% reported either consistent condom use (safer sexual behaviour) or no anal sex during the last 12 months. No associations were found between age or ethnicity and consistency of co ndom use. Social class and employment status, however, were associated : those in manual occupations and those not working were more likely t o be inconsistent in their condom use and students were more likely to be consistent. Inconsistent condom use was more likely to occur when having anal sex: with 'boyfriends', and data on relationship length su ggest that this may be occurring inappropriately in relation to risk o f HIV infection. These findings suggest that social class and employme nt status may be related to safer sex practice.