December 2004

New York City High School Students at High Risk

A 2003 survey of risk behaviors of high school students in New York City, conducted every two years since 1997, found the following risk factors for HIV infection:

  • 48% had engaged in sexual intercourse at least once.
  • 10% had their first sexual experience before age 13.
  • 24% did not use a condom the last time they had intercourse (Note: the national average is 37%!).
  • 17% had more than four sexual partners.
  • 6% had been forced to have sex.

The survey, a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire designed by the CDC, was completed by 7,400 students in grades 9 through 12 in 77 public high schools.