Risky Sex Among Teens Drops
Researchers say that risky sexual behavior among high school students that can lead to AIDS is in decline. CBS This Morning Health Contributor Dr. Dave Hnida of CBS station KCNC-TV in Denver reports.
Many communities and schools have HIV-prevention programs, and they appear to be having an effect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed high school students in eight urban areas where HIV is epidemic risky sexual behavior has declined.
The number of high school students who have sexual experiences is down, including in the following cities:
- Chicago -- Down from 64 percent in 1991 to 54 percent in 1997.
- Dallas -- Down from 67 percent to 62 percent.
- Boston -- Down from 61 percent in 1993 to 55 percent.
The number of students who have had multiple sexual partners is also down:
- Chicago -- Down from 30 percent in 1991 to 20 percent in 1997.
- Ft. Lauderdale -- Down from 21 percent to 18 percent.
Meanwhile, condom use has increased:
- Philadelphia -- Up 48 percent to 70 percent.
- Jersey City, N.J. -- Up from 39 percent to 59 percent.
- Dallas -- Up from 48 percent to 60 percent.
These survey results support a trend the CDC has been observing nationwide in large and small cities.
Many factors went into the results, such as better school and community health programs that have been reaching out to teens, helping them to avoid peer pressure, and changing their behavior.
Reported By Dr. Dave Hnida