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The Sexual Health Knowledge of People with Intellectual Disabilities: a Review

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Abstract

There is a growing recognition that people with disabilities have the same sexual needs and rights as people without disabilities. However, less attention is paid to the sexuality of people diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. This narrative review summarises what is currently known about the level of sexual health knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities. A literature review was conducted of the published literature using Google Scholar, PubMed, PsychInfo, EBSCOhost and Science Direct. Forty-eight articles were identified that addressed the question about the level of sexual health knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities. Overall, studies demonstrate that people with intellectual disabilities are highly variable in levels of sexual knowledge, but on average have a range of deficits in knowledge compared to non-disabled individuals. More tailored education and support in accessing formal and informal sources of information are needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 1PT, UK

    Magdalena Borawska-Charko & W. Mick. L. Finlay

  2. School of Psychology, University of East London, Water Lane, London, Stratford, E15 4LZ, UK

    Poul Rohleder

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  1. Magdalena Borawska-Charko
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  2. Poul Rohleder
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  3. W. Mick. L. Finlay
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Correspondence to Magdalena Borawska-Charko.

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Borawska-Charko, M., Rohleder, P. & Finlay, W.M.L. The Sexual Health Knowledge of People with Intellectual Disabilities: a Review. Sex Res Soc Policy 14, 393–409 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-016-0267-4

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