Abstract
Individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) have sexual feelings, are sexually active and have ideas about sexuality. There is limited information available about the ideas and experiences regarding sexual expression, interests and knowledge of sexual rights in this population. This study aims to identify the ideas, expressions, barriers to sexuality, experienced by people with IDs, using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). The NGT was used to explore the views of people with mild ID on sexual needs and issues. NGT is a structured and specific form of focus group research. It is a ‘single-question’ technique that combines quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection for relatively small groups. NGT involves four steps: silent generation of ideas, round robin recording of ideas, clarification of ideas, and ranking of ideas. It was an inclusive research project: people with an ID were involved in the design, planning, performance, and analysis of the study. In total 39 people with mild IDs were able to explore their experiences and ideas on sexuality. They were able to answer questions like: What are their needs? What are their problems? They were capable of expressing their views, needs and barriers on sexuality and sexual rights. The most important items were the relationship between two people (47%), sex and sex related subjects as sex education (23%), and feeling safe and comfortable (10%). People with mild IDs are capable of expressing their views on sexuality and sexual rights. The participants stated that they need support in achieving these rights. The nominal group technique appears to be an appropriate methodology on sensitive issues as sexuality and sexual rights.
Highlights
Sexuality and Sexual RightsSexuality is an essential human capability: “Having the opportunity for sexual satisfaction and choices about reproduction” [29]
We addressed the following research question: What do people with a mild intellectual disability (ID) believe is important with respect to their sexual rights? We wanted to know how they experience their sexual rights in their daily lives
The co-researchers were guarding the principles of inclusive research: the issue must matter to people with an ID; the research must represent their views and experiences; people were treated with respect by the researchers [57]
Summary
Sexuality and Sexual RightsSexuality is an essential human capability: “Having the opportunity for sexual satisfaction and choices about reproduction” [29]. Sexuality should be a positive part of the human experience and human life [47]. These rights apply to all people, including people with disabilities [43]. People with mild IDs have the right to make independent decisions about with whom, how and when they want to have sex. In this respect, they have the right to dignity, respect, privacy, confidentiality and freedom. At the beginning of every meeting, the participants were welcomed and informed about the aim of the research and the method used.
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