2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results

Students are making better decisions about sex and drugs, according to CDC's latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey, but far too many remain at risk for HIV and STDs.

Fewer teens are having sex and using select illicit drugs

In 2017, there was another decline in the percentage of high school students who report that they have ever had sex and those who have had four or more sexual partners - the lowest levels since CDC began conducting the survey in 1991.

• 39.5% reported ever having sex, down from 47.8% in 2007
• 9.7% had four or more sexual partners, down from 14.9% in 2007
• 53.8% of students used a condom the last time they had sex, down from 61.5% in 2007
• 14.0% reported using illicit drugs, down from 22.6% in 2007

The survey found that 14.0% of U.S. high school students (1 in 7) reported misusing prescription opioids. The misuse of prescription opioids can lead to overdose as well as injection drug use, which increases the risk for HIV.

Other experiences may be putting students at risk

Student reports of other factors that have been shown to increase the risk for HIV and STDs - like experiences of violence and poor mental health - remain troubling.

• 19.0% reported being bullied at school
• 7.4% reported being forced to have sex
• 31.5% felt sad or hopeless