Zihinsel Engelliliği Olan Ergenlerde Cinsel Davranışların Değerlendirilmesi

Abstract

Objectives: Adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely than the general population to exhibit inappropriate and unsafe sexual behaviors and sexual behavior problems. However, few studies have investigated sexual behavior problems in these adolescents. Thus, the present study aimed to examine the types, frequency, and associated clinical features of inappropriate sexual behaviors in adolescents with ID. Material and Methods: This study included 74 adolescents diagnosed with ZE between the ages of 12-18, registered in the child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic. A questionnaire form via Google documents was shared with the parents through the access networks that they could reach by contacting the parents, and the parents were asked to fill it out in order to obtain sociodemographic data and sexual behavior characteristics of the participants. Results: In our sample, the prevalence of sexual behavior problems was 35.1% and the rate of inappropriate sexual behavior in the community was 27%. Masturbation was the most commonly observed sexual behavior. Sexual behavior problems did not differ according to age and gender. However, the ID degree was significantly more severe in the group with sexual behavior problems. The rate of parents giving sexual education to their children was 18.9%, and the rate of having received sexual education by any professional for sexual behavior problems was 8.1%. Conclusion: Our results support the finding that adolescents with ID have a high risk of experiencing sexual behavior problems. In addition, it is clearly seen that there is a need for comprehensive sexual education and intervention for adolescents with ID and their families. Clinicians, psychologists, and teachers should all be aware of this.