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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Disorders of Intellectual Development | Research article

Sexual health concerns in women with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review in qualitative studies

Authors: Behzad Karami Matin, Michelle Ballan, Fatemeh Darabi, Ali Kazemi Karyani, Moslem Soofi, Shahin Soltani

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Studies indicate that women with intellectual disabilities (ID) face various personal and socio-environmental barriers in their sexual lives. This study aimed to identify the concerns and sexual health needs experienced by women with ID.

Method

A systematic review of relevant qualitative articles was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science Scopus and PsycINFO databases from June 2018 to August 2018. We designed our search strategy according to two main foci: (1) sexuality; and (2) women with ID. In the study, searches were limited to articles published from January 2000 to December 2017. In this review, studies on women ages 16 and over were included.

Results

Within the four databases, the search found 274 unique articles. After three steps of screening (title, abstract and full text), 22 studies were included in the final review. The articles mentioned difficulties with lack of sexual experience, negative experiences with sexuality, negative attitudes towards sexuality by nondisabled individuals, limited cognitive capacities to understand sexual identity, difficulty with finding the right partner, lack of access to sexual health information, lack of school-based sexuality education, violence and sexual abuse, lack of support from families and caregivers about sexuality, fear of sexual acts and unwanted pregnancy, shyness in expressing sexual desires, and limited knowledge of sexual behaviors.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that women with ID need to be provided with school-based sexuality education tailored to the level of understanding needed to attain the requisite knowledge to form relationships, understand sexual and romantic relationships, and practice safe sex when they choose this option. Families along with education and healthcare systems should provide opportunities for women with ID to talk about their sexual needs and make their own choices.

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Title: Sexual health concerns in women with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review in qualitative studies
Authors: Behzad Karami Matin
Michelle Ballan
Fatemeh Darabi
Ali Kazemi Karyani
Moslem Soofi
Shahin Soltani
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Disorders of Intellectual Development
Intellectual Disability
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12027-6

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Sexual health concerns in women with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review in qualitative studies

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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