<p><strong>Caregivers awareness of sexuality</strong><em><br />This study deals with the results from two focus group interviews with 13 students from education in "Sexology and Disability" by Oslo and Akershus University College (HIOA). The purpose of this study was to highlight the experiences and perceptions of employees in their work with the theme of sexuality.<br />Findings from the study show that it is still difficult to talk openly about people with developmental disabilities and their sexuality. Many see it as a taboo area. The study shows that both the caregiver and care recipient are in need of training. Staff working with the theme of sexuality may feel stigmatized by colleagues. They get little support from managers and colleagues.<br />Management must ensure good care for the client. The study indicates that employees should have knowledge and methods to meet the challenges of sexual education and prevent abuse.</em></p>

Background: Norwegian social educator students' attitudes towards addressing sexual health are unknown, even if their future clients often have needs related to sexual issues. Purpose: To investigate social educator students' readiness to address sexual health in their future profession. Methods: In 2019, 213 social educator students (response rate 34%) responded to the Students' Attitudes towards addressing Sexual Health Extended online questionnaire. Results: Most of the social educator students felt comfortable and ready to address sexual health in their future profession, but thought they had insufficient competence and education concerning sexual health. There were gender and age differences when discussing sexual health among persons with intellectual disabilities. Conclusion: Despite most Norwegian social educator students feeling ready to address sexual health, they needed additional competences and education. Further research is needed concerning the effectiveness of educational interventions targeting competence in sexual health, to ensure sufficient support for clients in this field.

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