HIV in Youth: Low Condom Use & Dangerous Myths Persist – 2024 Data

Approximately 5,100 people in 2024 learned they were HIV-positive, and 43% of infections related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – which weakens the immune system – were diagnosed at a late stage, with 27% at an advanced stage, according to data published by Santé publique France in December 2025. “The number and proportion of young people affected have been increasing in recent years. Those under 24 represent about 15% of people discovering their HIV-positive status in 2023.”

HIV: 62% of Young Adults Don’t Consistently Employ Condoms

Preventing recent cases requires both prevention efforts and regular testing. However, a recent survey reveals that many young adults are not adequately protecting themselves or prioritizing routine screenings. According to a survey conducted by OpinionWay for Sidaction among 1,516 young people aged 15 to 24, 60% reported having had at least one sexual partner in the last year. Despite this, 62% of those individuals admitted to not consistently using condoms during sexual encounters. Among those with partners outside of a committed relationship, 27% do not use condoms. “Trust, cited by a large majority of young people (68%), remains the primary reason for not getting tested with a new partner. Risk perception is still widely underestimated, reinforcing a false sense of security,” notes Florence Thune, Director General of Sidaction. Another concerning finding is that only 38% of sexually active young adults reported getting tested for HIV in the past year. This data highlights the importance of continued public health initiatives focused on safe sex practices and regular screening.

Persistent Misconceptions About HIV Among Young People

The survey identified several common misconceptions that hinder prevention and testing efforts. These include:

• “The AIDS virus only circulates in Africa.” This prejudice persists among 19% of young people surveyed. However, HIV is present on all continents and affects millions worldwide.
• “I am less at risk of contracting the AIDS virus than others.” This is the belief of 31% of respondents. It’s important to remember that the virus does not discriminate, and risk depends largely on individual behaviors.
• “By carefully observing a person, you can inform if they have AIDS.” This unfounded idea is shared by 20% of participants. A person living with HIV can appear perfectly healthy for years. Even at the stage of AIDS, symptoms like fatigue, infections, and weight loss are not specific and can be indicative of other illnesses. Reliable diagnosis requires testing.
• “AIDS only affects homosexuals and drug users.” This statement, cited by 21% of volunteers, is false. HIV can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, lifestyle, or social background.
• “The virus can be transmitted during unprotected sex with a HIV-positive person on treatment.” This misconception, highlighted by 77% of young people, is concerning, according to Florence Thune. “Today, a person living with HIV on treatment does not transmit the virus.”
• “There is a vaccine to prevent transmission of the AIDS virus and to cure it.” While 39% of participants believe this, there is currently no vaccine to prevent HIV infection or cure AIDS.
• “HIV is transmitted through a kiss.” According to the survey, 39% of volunteers think they can be infected by kissing a HIV-positive person. However, the virus is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids (blood, sperm, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, breast milk) from an infected person.
• “HIV is transmitted by contact with the sweat of a HIV-positive person.” This persistent belief among 29% of young people is false. HIV is not present in sufficient quantity in sweat to infect someone.
• “It is transmitted by eating from the same plate as a HIV-positive person.” This cliché, shared by 27% of respondents, is concerning, as there is no danger in eating from the same plate, sharing cutlery or a glass, cooking, or living with a HIV-positive person.
• “HIV is transmitted by shaking hands with a HIV-positive person.” The survey shows that 20% share this prejudice. However, HIV is not transmitted through simple contact like a handshake.