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Objective:

To compare the characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) surveyed online (through gay Internet chat rooms and profiles) and offline (in community venues) in London, UK.

Methods:

In February and March 2002, 879 MSM completed a self-administered pen-and-paper questionnaire distributed in central London gyms (offline sample). In May and June 2002, 1218 London MSM completed a self-administered questionnaire online, accessed through Internet chat rooms and profiles on gaydar and gay. com.

Results:

Compared with men surveyed offline, those surveyed online were significantly less likely to only have sex with men (89 vs. 94%), to be in a relationship with a man (44 vs. 52%), or to have been tested for HIV (68 vs. 80%)(P< 0.001). Men recruited online were also younger (mean age, 34 vs. 36 years) and less likely to have had a higher education (67 vs. 79%)(P< 0.001). However …