Why is this research important?

People with moderate intellectual disabilities (PMID) have the same right to learn about sex as everyone else. The stigma surrounding sex and intellectual disability can get in the way of PMID learning credible information about sex and sexual health. Barriers like these can make this population more vulnerable to sexual abuse. One goal of this research was to get a better understanding of the sexual knowledge and experiences of PMID. This can help to reduce stigma. Learning about the gaps in sexual knowledge for this group can help professionals create sex education programming that is relevant and protective against unsafe sexual behaviours and abuse.

In this study, researchers worked with 142 participants to learn about the sexual experiences, sexual knowledge, and amount of sex education received by PMID. The participants in this research were PMID and their personal and professional caregivers.

Research findings

Lack of Sexuality Education

Through their study, researchers found that, in general there is a lack of quality sexual health education for PMID. Specifically, the research shows that:

  • Participants’ misconceptions about risks and contraception suggest they have low levels of knowledge with 50% 0f participants holding incorrect beliefs about the topics
  • There is a lack of sexual health education programming designed to meet the need of this population
  • This population is often excluded from the sexual health education programs that exist

Interestingly, researchers also found that although PMID reported having a high level of sexual knowledge, much of this was inaccurate.

Researchers noted that because of these barriers, people with PMID tend to seek out other sources of information which can be unreliable or incorrect. This can lead to vulnerability to STI, unintended pregnancies and sexual abuse.

Condom Use

The research found that most participants rarely used condoms during sex. Further, the women were less likely than men to use condoms or contraceptives. The younger participants reported using condoms more than the older participants. This research suggests this may be because of barriers to sexual health information for older people as they experience stigma surrounding their sexuality. This research also suggested that higher rates of condom use among the younger participants reflects their understanding of the negative impacts of unsafe sexual behaviours.

Sexual Abuse

This study highlights that people with intellectual disabilities, especially women, experience more sexual abuse than their nondisabled peers. Half of those who reported experiencing abuse disclosed experiencing repeat instances of abuse.

Researchers suggest that because PMID are often overlooked when it comes to sexual health education, they’re less likely to learn:

  • What touch is safe/unsafe
  • When to tell someone

Practical Implications

Through this study, the researchers show us that although PMID want and are capable of healthy sexuality and relationships, the barriers they face when it comes to sexual health education can cause problems in these relationships.

As we continue to strive for healthy sexuality for everyone, parents and professionals can use the findings of this research to work toward effective sexuality education that meets the needs of PMID. This would be developmentally appropriate, stigma reducing and include topics related to condom use, safer sex, body autonomy, and skills for recognizing and reporting sexual abuse. When comprehensive sexual health education meets the needs of PMID, they’re more likely to recognize and report abuse and, perhaps most importantly, be empowered to have positive and safer sexual experiences.

Reference:

Estruch-Garcia, V., Gil-Llaro, M.D., Fernandez-Garcia, O. (2024). Sexual experiences and knowledge of people with moderate intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 68(5), 512-523