Study Shows Many U.S. Teens Didn't Know HIV Is STD

A recent study is raising concerns about how much teens actually know about sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and AIDS.

A new study published by the MAC AIDS Fund shows nearly nine out of 10 U.S. teens surveyed say they're not at risk of catching HIV.

While HIV only affects about one percent of the population, doctors say it's that lack of awareness that is contributing to the increase in HIV diagnoses and infections among young adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25 percent of 13 to 24 year olds make up new HIV infections in the U.S., and more than half don't know they're infected.

Researchers also discovered one out of every three teens didn't realize HIV was a sexually transmitted disease. And only 71 percent realize using a condom helps prevent the spread of the HIV.

While it can be a uncomfortable discussion to have with your kids, most of the teens in the survey said they wouldn't mind having such a conversation with a parent, teacher, or someone they look up to.