South Africa has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world. It is believed that increase in testing is due to the South African awareness programs and campaigns. These were the findings of the second South African national HIV/AIDS 2009 survey. The survey was conducted in all nine provinces. The nationwide survey found that HIV testing has increased considerably (from 24% to 60%) over the year prior to the survey among South African men. There has been a dramatic increase in HIV testing, especially among males.

Of those in the 15 to 24 age group the increase in the percentage of men who got tested nearly than doubled and the percent of women who got tested more than doubled in a three year period. About 61% of all sexually active women and men were tested. Approximately 78% of women and 75% of young men between the ages of 16 and 19 were tested.

The study also found that most South Africans believe that faithfulness will protect them from HIV. The study also found that the percentage of respondents who believed faithfulness was a way to prevent the spread of the virus decreased over 13% in the same three year period. It was determined that people in long term stable relationships were less likely to use condoms.
About half the women interviewed did not use condoms when involved in one night stands and most women and men thought that cheating was pervasive and the norm.

The study also found that it was uncommon for South Africans who were younger to be in a stable relationship. Most young men seem to have multiple partners and usually have more casual relationships. It appears that it generally takes a much longer time for people, especially men, to get involved in a relationship which is stable. South African women and men were not likely to settle down into a stable relationship until they were in their late 30s. The biggest reason for this was alcohol because when South Africans were drunk, they seemed much less inclined to worry about contracting HIV. There also seemed to be some perception that alcohol consumption would somehow lower the risk of contracting HIV.

Approximately one out of every 10 people began having sex by the time they were 15. This put many young women at high risk of HIV infection. However, condom use was quite high among those young people (especially males) who were in casual relationships. It is estimated that the AIDS communication programs reached approximately 90% of the population and more young people than the older ones.