Fostering Healthy Relationships in Special Olympic Athletes: Supporting the Intersection of Intellectual Disability and Sexual Health

IF 2.1 3区医学 Q2 PSYCHOLOGY, EDUCATIONAL

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities Pub Date : 2025-03-18 DOI:10.1111/jar.70032

Stephanie Andreasen, Tessa Allison, Brennah Kamelchuk, Victoria Formusa, Brock Reissner, Stephanie Howe, Janet McCabe, Alan S. Martino, Carly A. McMorris

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Abstract

Background

People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights to explore their sexuality and access sexual and reproductive healthcare, yet little is known about their needs and wants when accessing health education. The current study sought to learn about the sexual health interests, attitudes, and educational needs of Special Olympics (SO) athletes.

Methods

Thirteen participants completed a questionnaire and a 45-min interview, including SO athletes, coaches and caregivers of SO athletes.

Results

Survey responses indicated the importance of access to sexual health education, but significant barriers were noted. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts highlighted the importance of healthy relationships, inequalities in learning, and need for information to promote safety.

Conclusions

Findings add to existing evidence that people with intellectual disabilities value healthy relationships and want to learn more about sexual health. Several recommendations are offered to increase the effectiveness of sexual health education.

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来源期刊

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities Multiple-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： JARID is an international, peer-reviewed journal which draws together findings derived from original applied research in intellectual disabilities. The journal is an important forum for the dissemination of ideas to promote valued lifestyles for people with intellectual disabilities. It reports on research from the UK and overseas by authors from all relevant professional disciplines. It is aimed at an international, multi-disciplinary readership. Topics covered include community living, quality of life, challenging behaviour, communication, sexuality, medication, ageing, supported employment, family issues, mental health, physical health, autism, economic issues, social networks, staff stress, staff training, epidemiology and service provision.