Geography Links STD to Alcohol Availability

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Geography Links STD to Alcohol Availability

Fox News Online (12/22/98)

Research shows that neighborhoods with a greater number of stores that sell alcohol appear to have higher gonorrhea rates. Researchers from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and the Louisiana Office of Public Health measured the number of alcohol outlets per square mile and per person in New Orleans, finding that gonorrhea rates were linked to an elevated number of outlets in both cases. The scientists, who reported their results in the November issue of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, also observed that the rates were greater in areas with more stores that sold alcohol off- premise, such as groceries or convenience stores, compared to places with on-premise sales, like bars and restaurants. The authors note that "it has been shown that alcohol affects judgment and has a disinhibiting effect on socially learned restraints." Alcohol use could also be a marker for high-risk sexual behavior, the researchers add.

981223
AD982419

Copyright © 1998 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1998. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.