Syphilis and gonorrhea; epidemiology update.

Abstract

The epidemiologic patterns of venereal diseases (VD) in Greece were studied using data from the National Statistical Service, the University Hospital for VD and the special clinic for VD of the Ministry of Health, where prostitutes and homosexuals are examined. The main findings are as follows. Between 1962 and 1976 the frequency of both syphilis and gonorrhea declined among men as well as among women but the decline was more evident among women and among the older age groups (20+). Among men, the highest incidence is the age group 20-29 years, whereas among women the peak incidence is a little earlier. The rates for both syphilis and gonorrhea are higher in men than in women, higher in the greater Athens area than in the rest of Greece, and higher in single persons than in married one. There was a marked seasonal variation of VD with peak incidence at late summer. The decline of VD was also evident among prostitutes and male homosexuals with the exception of syphilis among uncontrolled prostitutes (increase) and male homosexuals (slight decrease).