The Perceptions and Attitudes of Undergraduate Students in Health-Related Fields Toward the Sexuality of Disabled People in Canada

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and attitudes of Canadian undergraduate students in health-related fields of study regarding the sexuality of disabled people. More specifically, we examine what is being taught to undergraduate students regarding the sexuality of disabled people, the sources of information that students rely upon to learn about this topic, and the current attitudes that these students hold. A modified version of the Attitudes to Sexuality Questionnaire was completed by 156 healthcare students from 30 different Canadian post-secondary institutions. Data analysis revealed that participants generally held non-restrictive views about parenting, sexual rights, non-reproductive sexual behavior, and sexual self-control of people with disabilities; however, over half of the participants noted that their post-secondary curriculum did not provide them with enough information regarding disability and sexuality. The results of this study speak to the need for more information about the sexuality of disabled people in healthcare education curricula.