Why ATN Research Matters
At the ATN, we’re not just studying numbers—we’re researching what strategies and medications really work for teens and young adults like you.
Young people face unique challenges when it comes to HIV and STIs. From social pressures and stigma to access barriers, your experiences are different from older age groups. That’s why research specifically designed for and with young people is crucial.
Understanding data about HIV and STIs among young people helps us all make better decisions about our health and community resources. ATN research becomes the foundation for programs, policies, and interventions that keep you and your peers healthy.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Young people aged 13-24 account for more than 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. But here’s the good news: research is making a real impact.
Let’s explore the data about HIV and STIs among young people, because when young people are informed about the research, you become powerful champions of your own health and the health of your communities.
PrEP & Youth
Of young people aged 16-24 who could benefit from taking PrEP, which is medication that prevents HIV, only 24% were taking it in 2022.
Adherence can be difficult.
Youth may find it difficult to take PrEP or HIV treatment medication as prescribed because of several factors:
That’s why the LYPS study aims to help youth access PrEP care outside of a clinic setting and the CHOOSE study developed a package of digital tools to help youth choose the best type of PrEP for them, hopefully helping young people stay adherent to their HIV prevention medication.
Did you know?
Did you know?
In 2016, the ATN’s findings from the PrEPare study played a pivotal role in determining that PrEP is safe and effective for adolescents. This paved the way for FDA approval of daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir for adolescents.
HIV Testing & Youth
In 2021, only 6% of high school students had ever been tested for HIV.
And for every 100 people living with HIV aged 13-24, only 56 knew their status.
That’s why the Screen2Prevent study is researching effective ways to test youth in emergency departments, which is the only place many youth receive healthcare.
STIs & Youth
Adolescents and young adults are only 23% of the sexually active population in the United States.
However, they account for 48% of new STI diagnoses each year—that’s over 1.1 million new STI diagnoses among youth annually.
Let’s look at the data by a few types of STIs.
Youth account for:
38% of new gonorrhea diagnoses
17% of new
syphilis diagnoses
56% of new
chlamydia diagnoses
That’s why the foXXy doxy study is hoping to prove that DoxyPEP (a common antibiotic already approved for men) is an effective STI prevention medication for more people, like young women.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Undiagnosed STIs caused 24,000 women to become infertile each year. If you are sexually active, remember to get tested for STIs regularly!
Substance Use & Youth
Condom use is down. In 2021, only 52% of sexually active high school students used condoms compared to 60% in 2011.
In 2017, 19% of high school students drank alcohol or used drugs before the last time they had sex.
Substance use can lead to behaviors that increase the likelihood of getting HIV. When youth are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, youth may have sex without condom or not take medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP or PEP) or treat HIV.
That’s why the IMPACT study is testing a program tailored for youth who use stimulants in the context of sex. The program combines evidence-based talk therapy with sexual health counseling, aiming to help participants (1) reengage in healthier activities that bring them joy and (2) prevent the transmission of HIV.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Use of recreational drugs and alcohol can weaken the immune system and damage the liver.
Stigma
For every 100 people living with HIV aged 13-24, only 65 are virally suppressed.
Getting and keeping an undetectable viral load through HIV treatment is the best way for people living with HIV to stay healthy and prevent transmission to others.
Let’s clear up some myths.
Even if someone has a detectable viral load, it is still NOT possible to transmit HIV through:
Sharing food or drink
Shaking hands
Hugging or kissing
Using a toilet seat
HIV cannot survive outside the body and isn’t spread through the air or on objects like glasses or toilet seats.
Did you know?
People living with HIV who are taking medication to treat HIV and have an undetectable viral load (also called viral suppression) CAN’T pass it on to other people.
This is known as “Undetectable = Untransmittable” or U=U.
Cost
Prevention of a new HIV infection avoids nearly $500,000 in lifetime treatment costs per person.
Investments in prevention, early detection, and treatment lower long-term costs and reduce the economic burden on taxpayers.
That’s why continued funding of the ATN’s research is so important—we change lives and save money.
