Worrisome new study on HIV stigma finds Gen Z has a lot of work to do
State of HIV Stigma’ report from GLAAD. The US advocacy group published the results of its annual survey earlier this week.The age group most clued-up about HIV is Generation X, who were born between 1965 and 1980.
Sixty-two percent of this age bracket considered themselves ‘Knowledgeable about HIV”. This is perhaps unsurprising given that the AIDS epidemic hit its peak during Gen X’s formative years.Millennials then said they considered themselves knowledgeable about the virus (50% of respondents), followed by Baby Boomers (46%).
Only 34% of Gen Z felt they were knowledgeable about the virus. Even more concerningly, 5% of Gen Z said they were “not aware” of the virus.It’s probably not a coincidence that rates of HIV transmission are now highest among those aged 13-35 (57% of new cases).
This is partly due to a lack of knowledge, but also the fact the younger age group may be having more sexual encounters with more partners.The study’s other key findings include a slight increase in the number of people who understand there are medications to prevent you from acquiring HIV.
