Syphilis, STIs and men who have sex with men in Sydney: Understanding and managing risk in context

Abstract

This report includes findings from a crosssectional study of social and behavioural risk factors for syphilis infection and transmission among MSM in Sydney (Part 1), as well as qualitative material on gay men's understandings and experiences of syphilis and other STIs (Part 2). The cross-sectional study recruited men diagnosed with syphilis from inner Sydney sexual health clinics, inviting them to complete a questionnaire about how they believed they contracted syphilis, their disease knowledge, sexual behaviour and risk practices for onward transmission. The qualitative material on syphilis, STIs and the perception and management of risk is taken from interviews with gay men in Sydney who engage in sexually adventurous sex practices. The results from the study provides useful information in guiding educational and public health responses to the increase in syphilis among MSM in Sydney.