A Psychoeducational Group for Men with Intellectual Disabilities Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

The sexuality and sexual behaviour of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) is one of the most complex and unresolved issues faced by service providers. Despite much evidence suggesting the disproportionately high risks faced by men with IDs who have sex with men, no epidemiological research has been conducted on the prevalence of HIV within this population. Current thinking suggests that self‐help groups are efficacious in helping participants to develop positive sexual identities and to share information about safer sexual practices. The present study is a qualitative evaluation of a pilot support group for men with IDs who have sex with men. Themes relating to the formation of sexual identity and safety issues were extrapolated using content analysis from a transcript of the final group session. The implications for service delivery are discussed. The evaluation was conducted by a clinical psychologist external to the group and the members of the group.

The experiences and support needs of people with intellectual disabilities who identify as LGBT: A review of the literature

“…However, from a quality perspective, 6 studies received a CASP score ranging from 14-16 from a possible 20, indicating a lack of rigor in areas including appropriate data collection methods, research relationship considerations, ethical issues and the clarity of the findings (Abbott & Howarth 2007;Bedard et al 2010;Cambridge 1996;Elderton et al 2014;McClelland et al 2012;Withers et al 2001). These are issues that need to be addressed in future research studies thereby seeking to improve the overall quality of the available research evidence.…”

“…The selected studies had sample sizes ranging from single case studies to 71 participants involving people with ID, families and paid carers. A total of 11 studies used qualitative methods, including one-to-one interviews, focus groups and case studies ( Stoffelen et al 2013;Withers et al 2001). Three studies used a quantitative approach (Bedard et al 2010;Burns & Davies 2011;Cambridge 1996).…”

“…The studies tended to focus on gay men with ID and there was a limited focus on lesbians and transgender people with ID. There was an absence of epidemiological studies and only one evaluation study focusing on a support group for gay men with ID (Withers et al, 2001). There were no multi-centre national or international studies or longitudinal studies and no policy analysis studies examining how the needs of…”

“…This requires policy responses to ensure that services take account of their care and support needs and can make reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access that recognizes that some people with ID may also be LGBT (Redley et al, 2012;World Health Organization 2013). Intellectual Disability-specific policy needs to ensure that the sexual needs of people with ID are reflected so that specialists work collaboratively with sexual health practitioners in areas such as shared assessments, the provision of psychological therapies, advising on capacity and consent issues and enabling sexual health information to be presented in an accessible format and that additional support is available to manage complex cases (Withers et al 2001;Elderton et al 2014). Acknowledging the potential presence of internalised homophobia by some people with ID and the existence of transphobia and to have in place strategies to support people Meyer 2003;Kuyper & Fokkema 2011).…”

Sexual health care in persons with intellectual disabilities

“…Of concern are difficulties homosexual men experience practicing safe sex and good partner choices. Withers et al [2001] found that, after participation in an 8-week self-help program, homosexual males with ID made poor progress in practicing safe sex. Although fearful of potential health consequences, these individuals were not empowered to express their needs during sexual encounters, placing them at risk for disease transmission.…”