
Tshwane – As the world marks World Aids Day on Friday, concerns are being raised over the unabated risky behaviour among young people, particularly unprotected sex, as research shows ambivalence towards safe sex by the younger generation.
The 2017 Durex Global Sex Survey, which saw 29 735 participants surveyed from 36 countries, including South Africa, revealed that more than half (54 percent) of 18 to 24-year-olds have risked unprotected sex.
"More than a quarter would be embarrassed to be caught carrying a condom by a date. This highlights that safe sex is no longer part of the dating culture for the younger generation,” said condom manufacturer Durex.
“Newly released data also revealed the scale of ambivalence towards safe sex among 18 to 24-year-olds, with 16 percent admitting they have never considered protecting against STIs [sexually transmitted infections] when having sex."
Read more: #WorldAidsDay: The secret behind our HIV treatment success
"A worrying seven percent decrease in condom use among 18 to 24-year-olds between 2011 and 2017, further highlights this concerning fashion for unprotected sex. Shining a light on South Africa, 24 percent lost their virginity without using protection.”