Sexuality in Down syndrome individuals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102003000100007Keywords:
Down syndrome, Perception, Sexuality, Parents, Focus groups, Questionnaires, Down syndrome individualsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate parents and health professionals' opinions on the sexuality of Down syndrome individuals and to describe how these individuals see their own sexuality. METHODS: Both quantitative and qualitative analyses have been applied in the study. A total of 809 questionnaires were to parents and health professionals (348). Twelve focal groups' sessions were carried out separately with parents, professionals and DS individuals. Chi-square test was performed in the analysis. RESULTS: Parents see their children as eternal kids as they are afraid of the utmost outcome of their children's sexual life: unwanted pregnancy, and risk of syndrome recurrence. Health professionals revealed to be unprepared to provide sexual advice for DS individuals and adequate parents' attitude to their children's sexual drive. CONCLUSIONS: Down syndrome sexuality develops similarly to other individuals, but DS individuals experience restrictions depending on their social context.Downloads
Published
2003-02-01
Issue
Section
Original Articles
How to Cite
Castelão, T. B., Schiavo, M. R., & Jurberg, P. (2003). Sexuality in Down syndrome individuals . Revista De Saúde Pública, 37(1), 32-39. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102003000100007