On intimacy, sexual activities and exposure to sexual abuse among children and adolescents with mobility impairment

Abstract

The aim was to describe experiences of intimacy and sexual activity and exposure to sexual abuse among children and adolescents with mobility impairment, and to relate these experiences to socio-demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being. This study included semi-structured interviews with 141 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with mobility impairment. Interpersonal experiences of intimacy and sexuality, socio-demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being were registered. About half of the children and adolescents in the study had been in a boy- or a girlfriend relationship, and about a fifth had an ongoing relationship. Of the adolescents, 15% had at least one experience of a sexual relationship. Whereas no particular sexual dysfunction was reported, 15% had concerns about their future sexual activities, presumably related to mobility impairment. A history of sexual abuse was reported by 7% in the age cohort of 13-18 years. The socio-demographic and disability-related features had a marginal influence on the experiences of intimacy and sexual activities. Several aspects of sexual health are not fully realized for children and adolescents with impaired mobility, and there is a need for specialized sexual health care services to protect the sexual rights of this group.