Abstract
Background There is limited information about sexual knowledge and behaviours in adults with complex care needs, including those with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q) which represents a group predisposed to intellectual disabilities. Methods We conducted sexual health assessments with 67 adults with 22q, examining whether those with knowledge deficits and a history of engaging in sexual activities with others would be more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours. Results The majority (65.7%) of adults with 22q were sexually active with others; most (70.1%) had sexual knowledge deficits. Those with intellectual disabilities were more likely (p = .0012) to have deficits in certain topics. In the sexually active subgroup, most (81.8%) engaged in high-risk sexual behaviours, regardless of intellectual disability or knowledge deficits. Conclusion The results suggest a need for increased dialogue, repeated education, genetic counselling and preventive healthcare measures related to sexuality in 22q and potentially in other complex care conditions.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 966-975 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 21 Jul 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2022 |
Keywords
- gender
- genetics
- learning disabilities
- pregnancy
- sex
- sexually transmitted infections
- INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
- PEOPLE
- ADULTS
- INDIVIDUALS
- OUTCOMES
- WOMEN
- SCHIZOPHRENIA
- ADOLESCENTS
- PREVALENCE
- BARRIERS