Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates decreased in 2024 by 11% compared to 2023. Decreases in chlamydia (16%) and gonorrhoea (12%) drove this reduction, but this follows significant increases in both STIs in 2022 and 2023.

Younger people are more commonly affected by STIs, most notably females aged 20-24 years. Concerted efforts are needed to reduce STIs in Ireland, and this includes better understanding people’s sexual health behaviours, decision-making, attitudes, and identifying gaps in sexual health knowledge.

In 2024, the HSE’s Campaigns team commissioned Ipsos B&A, the market research company, to conduct a large online survey to understand the factors contributing to the rise in STIs among 18 to 30 year olds living in Ireland.  The aim of this survey was to support the development and design of behaviour change and social marketing campaigns to promote young people’s sexual wellbeing.

This Research Summary details the survey’s methodology, the main findings and outlines supports and services that are available through the SHP.