Scoping Review of Sexual Health Education Interventions for Adolescents and Young Adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

The purpose of this study is to understand the sexual experiences and perspectives of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with intellectual or developmental disabilities, how they are receiving sexual education, and how sexual education can be tailored to their needs. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured focus groups and interviews with eight AYA with intellectual or developmental disabilities from January 14 to May 7, 2019. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Participants reported a diverse range of sexual experiences and an interest in marriage and parenting in the future. Two themes emerged for how AYA are learning about sexual health information: through formal (school, doctors’ visits, or from caregivers) and informal education (peers, siblings, self-exploration, or Pop Culture). Sexual education can be tailored to this population by addressing educational gaps (pregnancy, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, intimacy, and sexual activity) and by implementing specific participant recommendations (proactive, inclusive education with real-life examples). With a growing emphasis on disability rights to sexual education among individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, it is vital to understand AYA’s experiences, perspectives, and current understanding of sexual health information so that we can design a program specifically tailored to meet their unique needs.

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15 Sexual Health Education for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

10.3138/9781487535407-020 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 251-270

Author(s):

Shaniff Esmail ◽

Meg Tronson ◽

Sheena Churla ◽

Susan Hillock

Keyword(s):

Developmental Disabilities ◽

Health Education ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽

Sexual Health Education

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Sexual health education for adolescents with developmental disabilities

Health Education Journal ◽

10.1177/0017896919859605 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 78 (8) ◽

pp. 1000-1011 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

B Lee Murray

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Developmental Disabilities ◽

Health Education ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Education Programme ◽

Sexual Relationships ◽

Red Cross ◽

Sexual Health Education ◽

Sexual Identities ◽

Services And Supports

Background: While statistics related to the sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities are alarming, there remains a gap in the services and supports available to promote sexual health and healthy relationships and prevent sexual abuse of this population. Objective: To develop and deliver a sexual health education programme for adolescents with developmental disabilities and to identify the reactions and perceptions of students, teachers and parents involved in the programme. Methods: Using an interprofessional collaborative community development model, we developed and delivered a sexual health programme to young people aged 16–21 years with developmental disabilities in five Saskatchewan, Canada high schools. The project adapted, modified and administered the Canadian Red Cross RespectED questionnaires to all participants following the programme to allow for the identification and implementation of best practices with regard to the project’s future operation. Results: Data collected from the feedback and comments were summarised, and major concepts were identified. The information gathered identified meaningful educational experiences for students, their parents and teachers. Conclusion: Project findings reinforce the importance of sexual health education for people with developmental disabilities to increase opportunities for healthy sexual relationships and intimacy, to promote positive sexual identities and to decrease the risk of sexual victimisation.

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A qualitative assessment of the sexual-health education, training and service needs of young adults in Tehran

10.21203/rs.3.rs-74763/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Narges Sheikhansari ◽

Charles Abraham ◽

Sarah Denford ◽

Mehrdad Eftekhar

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Health Education ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Risky Sexual Behavior ◽

Risky Behaviors ◽

Qualitative Assessment ◽

Service Needs ◽

Sexual Health Education ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Education Training

Abstract Background: Sexual Health and Relationships Education (SHRE) provides individuals with the knowledge and skills set which helps them to manage risky behaviors and take informed decisions and to protect themselves against STIs, risky behavior and unintended pregnancy. Such education is minimally provided in Iranian schools and universities and previous research has indicated demand and need for SHRE among different social groups. This study explored Iranian young adults’ sexual health education, training and service needs and ways to improve or augment the existing provision.Design and methods: A qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 25 young adults who lived in Tehran, Iran and have volunteered to participate in our study. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Participants explained their need and demand for sexual health education and healthcare. They highlighted existing barriers such as lack of reliable resources, taboo and cultural barriers and lack of trust and protected confidentiality to gaining sexual health information and seeking related advice and healthcare. This has resulted in ambiguities and misconceptions, including those regarding the cause and transmission of STIs and correct use of contraceptions.They unanimously expressed their dissatisfaction with the limitedly available sexual health education and provided recommendations for an improved provision, including holding mixed gender extracurricular workshops with a comprehensive approach to sexual health and relationships education.Conclusions: There is a clear need and demand for provision of relevant and reliable sexual health and relationships education to young adults, which needs to be addressed in order for young adults to make informed choices and limit their risky sexual behavior.

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