ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Self-reported syphilis and gonorrhoea testing among men who have sex with men: national HIV behavioural surveillance system, 2003–5

E Tai¹, T Sanchez¹, A Lansky¹, K Mahle², J Heffelfinger¹ and K Workowski³

¹ Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
² Division of STD Prevention National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
³ Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Correspondence to:
Dr E Tai, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS K-57, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA; cvn5{at}cdc.gov

Objectives: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides guidance on sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing specifically for men who have sex with men (MSM) in STD treatment guidelines to address increasing rates of gonorrhoea and syphilis among MSM in the USA. The guidelines recommend at least annual syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing for sexually active MSM. The implementation of these guidelines was evaluated.

Methods: Data from the 2003–5 MSM cycle of the National HIV Behavioural Surveillance System were used. The proportion of sexually active HIV-negative MSM reporting syphilis and gonorrhoea testing during the previous year was determined and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with testing.

Results: Of 10 030 MSM, 39% and 36% reported having been tested for syphilis and gonorrhoea in the previous year, respectively. Four factors were associated with syphilis and gonorrhoea testing, respectively: age 18–24 years versus 45 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.2, 95% CI 1.8 to 2.5; OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.3 to 3.2), black versus white race (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4; OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.6), private insurance versus no insurance (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4; OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4) and disclosing male–male sex to a healthcare provider (OR 2.2, 95% CI 2.0 to 2.5; OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.9 to 2.3).

Conclusions: Syphilis and gonorrhoea testing among MSM was low, despite specific testing recommendations in the STD treatment guidelines. To increase STD testing among MSM, healthcare providers should assess the risks of STD for male patients through routine enquiries about sexual activity.

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This article has been cited by other articles:

• Stall, R., Hart, G. (2008). The continuing evolution of research on sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men. Sex. Transm. Infect. 84: 407-409 [Full Text]