This report is based on an analysis of data from a representative sample of participants recruited to the Third Australian Study of Health and Relationships. It focuses on New South Wales (NSW) and findings related to HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). It also documents experiences of and knowledge around sexual health among people living in the state.

The report notes that further and targeted efforts to de-stigmatise sexual and reproductive health are vital to establishing it as a recognised and respected part of overall health and wellbeing.

Key findings

• Overall, 12% of men, 18% of women and 16% of non-binary people in NSW had ever been diagnosed with an STI, with chlamydia the most common, followed by genital herpes genital warts.
• 53% of people had good knowledge of STIs.
• 49% of people said they had ever discussed sexual health with a healthcare provider, 83% of such discussions were patient-initiated and nearly one third of people said they were uncomfortable with such discussions.
• While knowledge of STIs among people in NSW is generally good, there remain opportunities for improvement and condom use among those with multiple sexual partners was low.