Background Staff member's views and attitudes can have a significant impact on people with an intellectual disability. This study explores staff attitudes and experiences of people with an intellectual disability's expression of relationships and sexuality across service providers in Ireland. Methods Staff (n = 86) from service providers (n = 5) completed the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire‐Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ASQ‐ID) and open‐ended questions. Results Multidirectional significant differences were noted on staff attitudes to sexuality based on demographic factors, that is, age, education, as well as non‐demographics, for example, attendance at training, and active practising of religion. Qualitatively, three themes emerged: “Unsupported and Frustration”; “Taboo Subject Matter” and “Vulnerability and Access to Education”. Staff reported a lack of service supports, dominant conservative cultures and people with an intellectual disability's vulnerability. Conclusion This study highlights the need for improved service practices and enhanced provisions for staff and the people with an intellectual disability that they support.
ObjectivesQuality of life (QoL) is a multi-dimensional phenomenon composed of core domains that are influenced by personal characteristics, values, and environmental contributions. There are eight core domains of QoL aligned with both the United Nations and the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD). The Personal Outcome Scale (POS), is a semi-structured self and proxy instrument that specifically measures these aspects of QoL for people with an intellectual disability.MethodsA total of 85 people with an intellectual disability and their primary keyworker (n = 85) took part in this study. A convenience sample recruitment strategy was employed to recruit participants during the calendar year from January–December 2020. Participants completed the self-report and proxy POS, and clinic-demographic data was also considered.ResultsQoL is higher in those who have a dedicated service planner and also for those with a less severe to profound disability. People who were in gainful employment reported significantly higher QoL as did those availing of outreach and residential services, over and above local services.ConclusionsThis research shows that there are distinct and specific factors that relate to QoL for people with an intellectual disability community-based services in Ireland. Future research could aim to investigate these longitudinally, and specifically how QoL relates to cognitive and functional outcomes.
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