Gonorrhoea, although no longer the commonest STI, is still relatively widespread, with 19,007 new cases reported through GUM clinics in 2006.1 The highest rates of infection are seen in men aged 20-24 years and women aged 16-19 years.2

Unlike Chlamydia and the viral STIs, gonorrhoea tends to be concentrated in deprived urban areas and in particular groups including homosexual men, young women and some black ethnic minorities.3 The high rates of uncomplicated gonorrhoea seen in urban areas in part reflects the geographical distribution of the male homosexual population, young people, and black ethnic minority populations in these areas, and the patterns of sexual mixing within these groups.3

Within black ethnic minority groups, sexual attitudes and behaviours vary considerably. Ethnic inequalities also exist in socioeconomic status, as well as in access to and use of healthcare services. It seems likely, therefore, that these factors will also influence infection rates.3