Study Finds improvements in teen sexual behavior, but increased risks

This story, appearing in the New York Times, discusses the encouraging developments in US teens' sexual behavior, but highlights an important, and disturbing trend: while teens are delaying sex and increasing their condom use over a 17-year period, the rate of HIV and other STDs is increasing in the past few years. The article states that while teens are having less sex, having it later, and using condoms more often, there is still

"...a 34 percent increase in H.I.V. and AIDS cases diagnosed among teenagers 15 to 19 from 2003 to 2006."

This increase underscores the need for more comprehensive education in terms of the risks of STDs, particularly HIV/AIDS.

To read the full study, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for August 1st.