The experience of sexuality in adults with intellectual disability

Abstract

Background People with intellectual disability have the same sexual needs as those without any disability, yet their sexuality is often restricted by reluctant attitudes and/or fears based on irrational beliefs. The aim of this study is to describe and analyse different areas of sexuality in adults with mild or moderate intellectual disability. Method The sample consisted of 180 men and 180 women attending occupational centres. All the participants were administered a questionnaire about sexuality adapted to their characteristics. Results Results show that 84.2% have had sexual relationships with another person, this percentage being higher in females and in people aged between 38 and 55 years old. Condoms are used by 41.4%. The most frequently used contraceptive methods are the pill (39.6%), transdermal patch (30.2%) and intrauterine device (6.7%). 9.4% of the women and 2.8% of the men has experienced sexual abuse. Conclusion In conclusion, there is a need to draw up educational programmes, differentiated according to gender and adapted to their reality, which include contents related with sexual health, sexual abuse and condom use.

Prevalence and sequelae of self‐reported and other‐reported sexual abuse in adults with intellectual disability

“…It is important to carry out this kind of research for two reasons: on the one hand, there are important differences in the prevalence figures due to the criteria used to determine the presence of sexual abuse, the data sources that are used and also cultural differences (Gil‐Llario et al . ); on the other hand, to date, little research has been carried out to analyse the consequences of sexual abuse in the different areas of these people's lives (Byrne ).…”

“…Nevertheless, estimations of prevalence are inconsistent because of the criteria used to determine the existence of sexual abuse, the sources of data employed and the cultural differences from one country to another (Gil‐Llario et al . ). Only a small percentage of all the cases of sexual abuse committed are actually reported (Pan ; Liou ).…”

“…A recent study conducted by Gil‐Llario et al . () with a sample of 360 people with mild or moderate ID in Spain concludes that 9.4% of women and 2.8% of men report having been sexually victimised. International studies on prevalence determine rates of abuse among women that range from low percentages between 7.4% and 19.1% (Pan ; Mitra et al .…”

“…Women with ID usually tend to be raped whereas men are usually forced to penetrate the abuser, who is normally another man (Basile et al 2016). A recent study conducted by Gil-Llario et al (2018) with a sample of 360 people with mild or moderate ID in Spain concludes that 9.4% of women and 2.8% of men report having been sexually victimised. International studies on prevalence determine rates of abuse among women that range from low percentages between 7.4% and 19.1% (Pan 2007;Mitra et al 2016) to higher percentages between 24% and 60% (Swango-Wilson 2009; Haydon et al 2011).…”

Attitudes Towards Sexuality in Males and Females with Intellectual Disabilities: Indonesia Setting

“…Debates and campaigns addressing SRHR are emerging, recognizing individuals with ID as a sexual being with equal rights for sexual right such as sexual pleasure, intimacy, love, relationships, sexual and reproductive choices and parenting [7]. Study of sexuality experience in adult with mild to moderate degree of ID in Spain showed that 84.2% had sexual relationship with another [8]. Significant number of exploratory and intervention research with the purpose of gaining awareness and altering perception of the community and also key stakeholders have been reported positive results.…”