HIV ignorance rife among young

Young people in Britain rarely think about the potential danger of contracting HIV when making decisions about their sex lives, according to a new survey.

A report has found that nine out of ten people aged 16 to 24 rarely or never think about the potential dangers of the virus with regards to their sex life and that 41 per cent consider themselves at 'no risk' from HIV.

The study, conducted by the BBC in conjunction with the Terrence Higgins Trust, also showed that 74 per cent of those polled did not have their facts about HIV correct.

Elizabeth McKay, of BBC Learning, said: "Levels of ignorance about HIV are at an all-time high among the age group most likely to catch a sexually transmitted infection.

"This is a generation that has not grown up with the big health campaigns about HIV and it shows in the lack of concern and knowledge they have."

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