A new survey has found that for young adults having discussions about being tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an important indicator of a lasting relationship.
The poll of over 1,000 young adults aged 15 to 24 years old found that nearly three quarters (70 per cent) rank discussing STI tests together as the most important sign that a new relationship will last which has overtaken more traditional milestones such as meeting the parents (66 per cent) or friends (40 per cent).
The research was conducted by Populus on behalf of the Chlamydia Worth Talking About campaign, which encourages sexually active under-25-year-olds to say ‘yes’ to chlamydia testing.
Other key findings include that almost a third of respondents (29 per cent) believe that for a relationship to last, new couples need to have had an open discussion about STIs, including chlamydia, within the first three months of making it official. However while half of respondents (48 per cent) were clear that a new partner who was unwilling to discuss these topics would not be around for long the majority (73 per cent) have never raised the subject of STIs with a new partner before having sex for the first time, while a third (30 per cent) feel uncomfortable asking a new partner to use a condom. The poll also found that lack of confidence is the problem, with more than one in four respondents (27 per cent) admitting that they are too embarrassed to talk to their partner about subjects including safe sex, STIs and contraception.
Further information about the Chlamydia Worth Talking About campaign can be found on the campaign website.
Wed, 10/03/2010 - 14:21
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A new package to develop local staff to support and train young people to conduct objective assessments of local services and support recommendations for service improvements.
