Alcohol problems in several midwestern homosexual communities.

Abstract

Data obtained during a questionnaire survey of 145 homosexual men in 4 urban areas in east-central Kansas [USA] were analyzed. The 73 item questionnaire included the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) and questions about demographic characteristics, sexual preferences and experiences, use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs, general adjustment, and help-seeking and help-rejecting attitudes. Most men surveyed were young (86 were 18-25 yr and 46 were 26-35); most were from cities (60 from cites of 100,000 or more and 46 from cities of 10,000-100,000); 51 were students, 31 professionals or executives and 30 businessmen or craftsmen; all but 18 had attended college. According to MAST scores, 42 (29%) of the men were alcoholics. MAST scores were related to the respondents'' perception of alcohol as a solution to problems (P < 0.001) and to residence in a university city or metropolitan setting, education, current sexual preference for men and perception of prescription drugs as a solution to problems (P < 0.05). The percentage of homosexual men identified as problem drinkers is similar to that found by Fifield, who studied a West Coast population.