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University

Shawnee State University

Major

Master of Occupational Therapy

Student Type

Graduate Student

Presentation Types

Oral Group Presentation

Keywords:

Sexual education, sexuality, occupational therapy, Ohio

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe practice patterns of occupational therapy practitioners when addressing sexual health education needs of their adult clients with intellectual disabilities. A descriptive online survey consisting of twenty-eight items was distributed via email to occupational therapy practitioners (OTR or COTA) licensed in the state of Ohio. Therapists who had provided occupational therapy services to adults with intellectual disabilities at any point in their career were invited to participate. Survey items focused on practitioners’ views and clinical experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health education, and interventions provided for this population. Of the 6,791 initial surveys distributed, researchers received a raw response of 235 respondents. Initial results suggest that practitioners recognize the importance of sexual education for this population, feel underprepared to provide this content in their interventions, and reported minimal experience in this area of intervention.

Human Subjects

no

IRB Approval

no

Faculty Mentor Name

Christine Raber

Faculty Mentor Title

Dr.

Faculty Mentor Academic Department

Rehabilitation Therapies

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Addressing sexuality and sexual education for adults with intellectual disabilities: Perspectives of Ohio occupational therapy practitioners

The purpose of this study was to describe practice patterns of occupational therapy practitioners when addressing sexual health education needs of their adult clients with intellectual disabilities. A descriptive online survey consisting of twenty-eight items was distributed via email to occupational therapy practitioners (OTR or COTA) licensed in the state of Ohio. Therapists who had provided occupational therapy services to adults with intellectual disabilities at any point in their career were invited to participate. Survey items focused on practitioners’ views and clinical experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health education, and interventions provided for this population. Of the 6,791 initial surveys distributed, researchers received a raw response of 235 respondents. Initial results suggest that practitioners recognize the importance of sexual education for this population, feel underprepared to provide this content in their interventions, and reported minimal experience in this area of intervention.