STI knowledge Declines Among Young Adults, Raising Public Health Concerns
paris, France – July 4, 2025 – A concerning trend of declining knowledge regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young adults aged 18-35 is emerging, according to a recent Harris poll conducted for the National Syndicat of Venearologists. This decline in awareness, coupled with decreased screening rates, poses a significant threat to public health [[1]].
key Findings:
decreasing awareness: While AIDS remains the most recognized STI (cited by 77% of respondents), awareness of other common infections like genital herpes, pubic lice, and syphilis has significantly decreased since 2016, with losses ranging from 13 to 25 percentage points [[2]].
Papillomavirus Exception: Papillomavirus is the only STI showing increased recognition (up 8 points since 2016), likely due to recent awareness campaigns.
Misconceptions About Transmission: A worrying drop has been observed in the understanding of asymptomatic transmission – only 61% of young adults now recognize that an infected person can be symptom-free, down from 72% in 2016. Knowledge of STI transmissibility via anal sex and to a fetus has also declined [[2]].
reduced Screening & Condom Use: Fewer young people are getting tested for STIs before engaging in unprotected sex (down 8% since 2016) or after potential exposure (down 9% for HIV screening).Condom use is also decreasing, with only 73% believing it’s the best form of protection.
* Limited Healthcare access: Consultations with doctors for suspected infections have decreased (from 80% in 2016 to 72% in 2024), and awareness of the role of dermatologists specializing in venereology remains low (consulted in only 6% of cases).
Why This matters:
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the critical importance of STI diagnosis and treatment to prevent transmission,reduce related deaths (including cancer and infertility),and improve overall health [[3]]. The declining knowledge and screening rates observed in this study could lead to increased STI prevalence, long-term health complications, and further spread of infection. Individuals unaware of their infection can unknowingly transmit it to others and may develop serious, potentially fatal outcomes [[2]].
Call to Action:
Public health officials and healthcare providers must prioritize renewed efforts to educate young adults about STIs, promote regular screening, and emphasize the importance of safe sex practices. Targeted campaigns addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the role of specialized care are crucial to reversing this concerning trend.
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