Which group accounts for nearly half of the new cases of STIs each year?

The group of adolescents aged 15-24 accounts for nearly half of the new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year. This high prevalence in this age range can be attributed to various factors, including increased sexual activity, lack of awareness about safe sex practices, limited access to healthcare and sexual health education, and the biological vulnerability that younger individuals may have to STIs.

Young people in this age group often engage in riskier sexual behaviors and may not use protection consistently or correctly. They may also face social stigma regarding discussing sexual health, which can further compound issues related to testing and treatment. Additionally, the developmental stage of adolescents can involve experimentation and peer influence, which may contribute to an increased incidence of STIs.

Understanding this demographic's vulnerability is vital for public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of STIs through targeted education, outreach programs, and improving access to preventive measures such as condoms and vaccines.