Survey on HIV knowledge among young adults finds stigmatizing, unsafe behaviors 

A new survey from HIV drug maker Merck and the health equity initiative Prevention Access Campaign finds that young adults are misinformed about HIV and how it’s transmitted. Here’s more: 

• Overall trends: 41% of Gen Zers (born between 1996-2010) without HIV said they were not or only somewhat informed about HIV, compared to 23% of millennials (born after 1981).
• Protection: More than half of HIV-negative respondents did not report using condoms or preventive treatment. But 75% of millennials and 60% of Gen Zers who are HIV-positive said they acquired it because they didn’t use protection. 
• Stigmatizing behaviors: About 28% of HIV-negative millennials said they avoid hugging or being friends with HIV-positive individuals. The same percentage of HIV-positive millennials — and 39% of HIV-positive Gen Zers — said they have trouble forming new romantic relationships because of their status.