engleski

Attitudes of University Students Towards the Sexuality of People with an Intellectual Disability

Background: Sexuality is a natural part of every person's life, including those with intellectual disabilities (ID) and should be recognized as an important aspect when considering their overall care. The aim of this pilot study was to survey attitudes of university students towards sexuality of people with ID, with particular emphasis on the views of students most likely to encounter people with disability in their future careers (e.g. educational rehabilitators, physicians, psychologists, social workers and other health, disability and social services providers). Methods: Student attitudes were examined using a questionnaire consisting of demographic data and a 5-point Likert scale of attitudes towards sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities. Scale was based on the modified questions from Attitudes toward Sexuality Scale (Cuskelly & Bryde, 2004) and The Attitudes towards Sexuality and Students with Intellectual Disability Scale (Parker, 2012). The total number of items was 19 and included the topics of sexuality, personal relationships, marriage and parenthood. Online form of the questionnaire was developed by using Google Forms application and shared through social media groups (Facebook). The total number of respondents was 556 ; 428 female, 128 male. A quantitative data analysis was used to determine student’s attitudes towards sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities, the relationship between analysed attitudes and demographic data and their structure. For this purpose, we use descriptive statistics, non-parametric analysis of differences, including Mann-Whitney Test, Kruskal-Wallis Test and Factor analysis - Varimax rotation (SPSS version 21). Results: Students attitudes towards the sexuality of people with ID were mostly positive, except in their views concerning parenting. When results of the scale are analysed according study areas (ERF, similar study areas and other), we can see that students from ERF have the most positive attitudes, and factor analysis shows differences between them. In each subsample, number of factors and their structures are different. However, student’s indecisiveness when asked about specific aspects of sexual behaviours of people with ID might indicate that additional education and training relating to this topic should be provided during their studies.

sexualitiy ; university students ; attitudes ; people with intellectual disabilities

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