Healthcare providers’ role in providing sexual and reproductive health information to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A qualitative study

Background Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities demonstrate disparities in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) compared to individuals without disabilities (e.g., lack of sexual education and knowledge, increased rates of abuse, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities 2022-07, Vol.35 (4), p.1019-1027
Main Authors: Schmidt, Elizabeth K., Beining, April, Hand, Brittany N., Havercamp, Susan, Darragh, Amy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Barriers
Contraception
Developmental Disabilities
education
Health education
Health Personnel
Health Promotion
healthcare providers
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Patient Education
Qualitative research
Reproductive health
Sex Education
Sexual Abuse
sexual and reproductive health
Sexual health
Sexuality
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
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Summary:Background Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities demonstrate disparities in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) compared to individuals without disabilities (e.g., lack of sexual education and knowledge, increased rates of abuse, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify topics healthcare providers address and perceived barriers and supports to SRH education. Methods We conducted semi‐structured interviews with healthcare providers (N = 12). Results Providers address relationships, safety, protection and appropriate sexual behaviours with clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Parent education and client‐centred care were identified as supports, while the patient's level of understanding, the provider's lack of knowledge or access to resources and to appropriate referrals were identified as barriers to SRH education. Conclusion Future studies are needed to link providers to resources they can use to provide comprehensive, accessible SRH education for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
ISSN:1360-2322
1468-3148
DOI:10.1111/jar.12861