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

Objectives This study investigated the limitations of probability samples o f men who have sex with men (MSM), limited to single cities and to the area s of highest concentrations of MSM ("gay ghettos"). Methods. A probability sample of 2881 MSM in 4 American cities completed in terviews by telephone. Results MSM who resided in ghettos differed from other MSM, although in dif ferent 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 sex ual 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 fbr HIV prevention efforts and health care planning.