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University
Shawnee State University
Major
Master of Occupational Therapy
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
Recommended Citation
Alvey, John; Fox, Mackenzie; Scherer, Jesse; and King, Leshae, "Addressing sexuality and sexual education for adults with intellectual disabilities: Perspectives of Ohio occupational therapy practitioners" (2021). Celebration of Scholarship. 2.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/cos/2021/day2/2
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.