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

IF 1.9 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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促进特殊奥林匹克运动员的健康关系：支持智力残疾和性健康的交叉

智力残疾人士有平等的权利探索自己的性行为，并获得性健康和生殖健康保健，但在获得健康教育时，对他们的需求和愿望知之甚少。本研究旨在了解特奥会（SO）运动员的性健康兴趣、态度和教育需求。方法采用问卷调查和45分钟的访谈，共13人，包括SO运动员、教练员和护理人员。结果调查答复表明获得性健康教育的重要性，但也注意到重大障碍。对访谈记录的专题分析强调了健康关系的重要性、学习中的不平等现象以及为促进安全提供信息的必要性。研究结果进一步证实了现有的证据，即智障人士重视健康的人际关系，并希望更多地了解性健康。为提高性健康教育的有效性，提出了若干建议。

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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.