Sexual Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Experiences

This survey builds on a nationally representative sample of 1,800 young people ranging from 13-24, grouped into “young adolescents,” “adolescents” and “young adults.” This survey can be used as a comprehensive national index of what young people know about sex decisions they make about important sexual health issues. The report has found that young people are becoming increasingly concerned about sex and sexual health (more than any other health issues in their lives); many youth report considerable pressure to have sex; many young people are misinformed about the health risks associated with unprotected activity; a significant percentage of young people are still having unprotected sex and engaging in other dangerous risk behaviors. The survey also finds that this misinformation leads to young people wanting to know more about how to use condoms, how to recognize the signs of STD and HIV infection, what STD and HIV testing involves, where they can go to get tested, and they also want more instruction on communicating effectively with partners about sensitive sexual concerns and relationship issues.

File(s): 

National Survey of Adolescents and Young Adults