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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune-associated pathology with an articular inflammatory basis. RA is diagnosed by severe pain, movement restriction, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sexual disorder (SD). This pathology can potentially reduce the quality of life and cause many problems. The electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched for the papers reporting the prevalence of SD in patients with RA (by August 2023). Following paper collection and data extraction, the Random Effects model was used to perform the data analysis (CMA, v.2). The heterogeneity of studies was assessed using I2 index. Following the assessment of 53 eligible studies with a sample size of 9,174 cases, the overall prevalence of SD in RA patients was 32.4% (95% CI:24.4–41.6). Also, the prevalence of SD in RA females and males was 36.5% (95% CI: 26.4–48) and 23.5% (95% CI:12.6–39.4), respectively. Based on the findings, the prevalence of SD among RA individuals was found relatively high; thus, the application of measures seems necessary to prevent sexual disorders in RA cases. These strategies are useful for health policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research examining the effects of spinal cord injury on sexuality has largely focused on physiological functioning and quantification of dysfunction following injury. This paper reports a systematic review of qualitative research that focused on the views and experiences of people with spinal cord injury on sex and relationships. The review addressed the following research question: What are the views and experiences of people with spinal cord injury of sex, sexuality and relationships following injury? Five databases were relevant and employed in the review: CINAHL (1989–2016 only), PsychInfo, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, for research published between 1 January 1980 and 30 November 2019. After removing duplicates, 257 records remained and were screened using a two-stage approach to inclusion and quality appraisal. Following screening, 27 met the criteria for inclusion and are reported in the paper. The review includes studies from fifteen countries across five continents. Two main approaches to data analysis summary and thematic synthesis were undertaken to analyze the qualitative data reported in the papers. The analysis revealed four main themes: sexual identity; significant and generalized others, sexual embodiment; and; sexual rehabilitation and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with intellectual disabilities (PID) experience the same range of sexual thoughts, feelings, desires, and activities as anyone else. However, the public's view, especially about stereotypes, is noticeable to have an impact on sexuality and people with disabilities, thereby influencing the population which includes the families of PID, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. This review aims to analyze the opinions of public, family of PID or care staff on the sexuality of PID and the methodology applied. Eleven quantitative peer-reviewed papers were identified. Participants' attitude could be evaluated as a binary classification of either "Restrictive" or "Acceptance" in four aspects. Demographic background and the conditions of the PID were found to have an influence on people's attitudes. People acknowledge that PID are not asexual but generally the public holds a more accepting attitude towards the sexuality of PID when compare with family of PID or care staff. Further research on this attitude gap is particularly essential, as this will contribute valuable information and provide insight to policymakers on handling the social, legal and ethical concerns about the sexuality of PID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper draws on a qualitative case study of the motherhood experiences of visually impaired Chinese women. The aim is to explain how disability and gender intersected in terms of motherhood experiences. By applying an intersectionality analytical framework, the present study argues that as people with disabilities, visually impaired women encounter more barriers and receive excessive support that threatens their expression of agency throughout motherhood decisions and childcare; as women with disabilities, visually impaired women receive less support from their family of origins compared to men with disabilities. By reinterpreting disability, employing various strategies to resist societal stigmas, and emphasizing their roles in the public sphere, women with visual impairments challenge the boundaries between disability and ability and reframe their relations with the world as mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual wellness can be a difficult topic for people who have both bipolar disorder (BD) and bisexual identities, despite the essential role sexuality plays as a core feature of health and human behavior. In the United States, bi+ (bisexual, pansexual, sexually fluid) persons with BD can experience discrimination and face barriers by living in a society where misinformation and ableist ideals remain unchallenged. Examples of this include persistent stereotyping of hypersexuality and risky sexual behaviors, stigmatization, erasure, and biases against both groups. These groups need to be examined free from ableist tendencies and generalizations. In this conceptual paper, we introduce varied experiences of bi + and bipolar individuals, with a focus on their ability to engage freely with their sexuality despite societal judgments and conventions that refuse to acknowledge their sexuality in literature, academic research, and public spaces. By assessing this specific population, we have identified patterns and correlations that can start conversations to create a better understanding and acceptance of fluid sexualities and marginalized populations. We ultimately aim to guide further research for both bi + and bipolar populations that will advance cultural acceptance and facilitate sexual empowerment. This, in turn, may help in developing best practices, expanding knowledge, improving sexual health education, and ultimately reducing stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barriers and facilitators affecting the social activities of people with congenital physical and communication disabilities are well documented. However, little is known of their experiences of developing sexual and intimate relationships. This study conducted a systematic review of the literature to address this gap in knowledge. Ten online databases were searched for relevant papers between 1990 and 2014. In addition, hand searches of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Journal and the Sexuality and Disability Journal were conducted. Fifteen papers were identified and appraised. The thematic coding approach identified six principal themes. However, the content analysis revealed that the majority of the literature focused on the social needs of people with physical and communication disabilities. Despite evidence that people with disabilities are sexually active, there is little focus on the experiences of people with disabilities developing intimacy and expressing sexuality. The few references to sexuality in the relevant literature focused on protection from abuse, though some researchers called for improved counseling on sexuality and relationships, and improved access to sexual health services. Further research is required to focus on practical and theoretical outcomes to enhance social relationships and sexuality, and offer lovers who use AAC real advice in their search for intimacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities face many barriers toward their sexual health. To promote sexual health and overcome these barriers, they need individualized forms of sexuality support and education. To align sexuality support and education insight is needed on their understanding of sexual health. The current paper aims to provide greater insight in what sexual health consists of according to people with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities. Nine people with a mild to borderline intellectual disability participated in a concept mapping procedure, consisting of brainstorming, sorting, and ranking the statements. The resulting clusters and concept map were interpreted by an expert group. Analysis resulted in five clusters which participants considered important for their sexual health. According to people with mild to borderline intellectual disability cluster pertaining to romantic relationships and sexual socialization were the most important. These were followed by clusters on sexual health and lastly sexual selfhood. These results have implications for the development of sexuality support and education, as well as further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, Japan started to enforce domestic legislation in the form of the Act of Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disability, along with ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014. However, the interpretation of these new pieces of legislation is often not clear, especially when it comes to issues of sexuality. Thus, this research is carried out at a time when Japan is making important policy decisions about the rights of people with disabilities, in a culture in which the decisions of people with disabilities have often been restricted by caregivers and family members. This paper focuses on opinions concerning the issue of masturbation assistance in Japan by introducing two assistance organizations. Since not much research is conducted in this area in Japan, this paper contributes by examining how the dominant discourse medicalizes the pleasure of people with physical disabilities in the name of "nursing care", and by presenting the diverse responses from people with physical disabilities regarding such assistance in their own words. Through this paper the researcher hopes to raise awareness of the current situation of how masturbation assistance and sexuality are treated as "taboo" for people with disabilities. The researcher also hopes to raise awareness of the complexity of this ethical and human rights issue and the danger of oversimplifying it, as it involves such factors as the form of the assistance, the gender of the assistant, and differing opinions on the extent to which masturbation assistance can be considered nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the trends in erectile dysfunction research by integrating individual keywords such as COVID-19, mental health, psychiatry, and drug use. The study spans a six-year period from September 21, 2017, to September 21, 2023, and utilizes resources from the National Library of Medicine. For instance, the quantity of relevant documents is determined using the Google search engine. A custom date range can be set on the browser via tools, and the search is limited to the nih.gov site domain. The phrase-site search command used is executed with "erectile dysfunction" COVID-19 site:nih.gov. The result revealed that from Sept 2021 to 2022, research on COVID-19 and erectile dysfunction spiked. However, the previous year saw a rise in studies linking drugs or mental health with erectile dysfunction. Meanwhile, psychiatry-focused publications have consistently grown. The time-series trends of erectile dysfunction linked to COVID-19 are substantiated by a comprehensive literature review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has indicated that healthcare support for sexuality after spinal cord injury appears to be neglected or inadequately provided. The perspectives of people living with spinal cord injuries regarding what is lacking and what support they would like to be provided, and why, has yet to be explored. This paper uses critical theory to explore how societal constructs of sexuality and disability shape how sexuality is supported after a spinal cord injury. To do this, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 11 people with a spinal cord injury from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We drew from the works of various critical disability theorists to analyze what discourses underpinned the experiences people with spinal cord injuries had when receiving sexuality support. Analysis suggested that the following discourses were apparent: (1) broken bodies require repair, (2) sex is penetration, ejaculation then reproduction, and (3) sexual autonomy is required. Findings indicated healthcare professionals need to recognize people with spinal cord injuries as sexual beings with a diverse range of desires, lives, relations, and bodies. Provision of individualized comprehensive high-quality sexuality support is therefore warranted. To achieve this, healthcare professionals should aim to be aware of, and mitigate, ableist and normative assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, many social barriers led to the perception that adolescents with physical handicaps do not have a vivid sexuality. This is the first systematic review aiming to answer how sexual knowledge is provided for adolescents with physical disabilities. Findings might be helpful to construe recommendations for sexual education of adolescents with physical handicaps. Literature search occurred by means of databases PUBMED, Web of Science and PSYCINFO. Papers are included that address sexual education and sexual knowledge of adolescents with physical handicaps, including papers dealing with sexuality of young people with chronic conditions that lead to (extensive) physical limitations. Nine papers could be identified. Subjects researched were between 11 and 25 years old. With the help of a self-administered quality assessment scheme we conducted a scoring with a high score of a maximum of 11 points. We divided three levels: highly informative papers, moderate informative papers and papers with only low information. Just one paper from the Netherlands is highly informative, four papers provide moderate information, and four contain only little information. The majority of physical handicapped adolescents get sexual education in school. Transfer of information is confined to the prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and harassment. Interdisciplinary sexual education appears as a key for self-determined and well informed sexual life for adolescents with and without handicaps. For people with handicaps there should be information available with respect to their physical limitation, additional to general facts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexities of living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can derail an adolescent's opportunity to engage in healthy sexual relationships. Social connection, a large component of healthy sexual relationships, is often a major obstacle for adolescents diagnosed with ASD. Sexual health goes beyond the physical component and relies on emotional and social skillsets that directly influence appropriate sexual behaviors and connection with others. The concept of appropriate psychosexual norms is quite important and can be adopted by exposing adolescents with ASD to social environments that form healthy interactions with others. The sexual behavior of adolescents with ASD is often observed from a problem-based perspective rather than a strength-based approach. There is a lack of evidence-based sexual education curriculums geared towards the needs of adolescents with ASD which bring closer together the dynamical relationship between sexual socialization and sexual behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this conceptual paper is to describe that dynamic relationship and how inadequate sexual socialization often leads to socially "inappropriate" sexual behaviors of adolescents with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive sexuality education is seen as a key intervention to address the high HIV-incidence rate and low knowledge among young people in South Africa, yet this lacks inclusion of learners with disabilities. At the same time, educators of learners with disabilities experience cultural barriers and lack skills and knowledge on how to deliver sexuality education in accessible formats. In response, the Breaking the Silence approach, a curriculum implementation and disability-accommodating approach, was developed and tested. This paper presents findings from a formative evaluation using in-depth interviews with educators from eight “schools for learners with special educational needs”. The paper focuses on their experience with implementing the approach. The analysis used conventional content analysis and NVIVO software. Educators conceptualized sexuality education within a risk-protection discourse. They revealed that the training and tools enabled them to provide sexuality education in accessible formats, tackle difficult topics such as sexual orientation and masturbation, and improved awareness and assertiveness within their learners. Educators identified the need for further development including a whole school approach, adjustments to differentiating developmental stages and addressing gender-specific topics. Through its application within the South African mainstream Life Orientation curriculum, this approach lends itself for further development and testing through implementing the approach within a whole school setting and ongoing support that will not only drive change in educators’ skills and knowledge but also drive the needed shift in cultural norms and values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life of young people with disability are troubled with barriers and difficulties than the people graced with perfect physical health. Only a little is known about their sexual life and procreation. This paper, however intends to conduct a systematic survey and meta-analysis of the problems and challenges faced by the young people with disability in their sexual life and procreation. Familiarity with the works of the grand masters helped to come to the conclusion that this is solely on account of improper sexual education and guidance. As a result of improper sexual guidance, they may be more prone to contract sexually transmitted diseases. Besides sexual violence and adjustment difficulties with the partner is common among them. To compensate the challenges and the miseries faced by the people with disabilities a noticeable change has to be effected from the side of the society, life partner and the people of the domestic circle. The absence of proper information about the real difficulties faced by the people with disabilities, it is not possible to give them proper guidance to lead a satisfying family life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review presents a critical appraisal of the dominant approaches toward the sexuality and relationships of people with acquired brain injury. In particular, we sought to identify and review existing programs focusing on sexuality and relationships which use an educational and/or peer–peer approach. A systematic and comprehensive search of the EBSCOHOST database was conducted within an unlimited time-frame to yield the highest number of relevant results possible, along with hand-searching of key journals and databases. Reports, papers and webpages, documents commonly referred to as 'grey literature' that are not published in peer-reviewed journals, were also hand searched as a part of this review. The database search yielded 862 results, 14 of which were found to be relevant to our research interests. All of the sexuality education programs identified in this review were experienced positively by participants, families, caregivers, and professionals working with people with acquired brain injury. No peer–peer sexuality and relationships programs were identified. However, we found strong support for the use of peer–peer approaches in other programs for people with acquired brain injury. This literature review provides strong support for the development peer–peer sexuality and relationships programs for people with acquired brain injury. However, any future programs would have to overcome the limitations of existing sexuality and relationships programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores attitudes toward dating people with disability amongst young people in Australia and Hong Kong. Data relating to disability were extracted from an e-survey that investigated young people's (n = 2208) experiences of and attitudes toward dating. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while open ended responses were subjected to interpretive content analysis. When asked about preferred characteristics for potential dates, young people identified factors that were unlikely to be negatively influenced by disability, such as loyalty, honesty, dedication, humour, and kindness. Yet when asked whether disability would influence their dating choices, most said that it would and expressed an unwillingness to date people with disability. Young adults in Hong Kong expressed less openness to dating people with disability than those in Australia. Physical disability and mental health issues were seen as less of a barrier to dating than intellectual or developmental disability. Despite recent gains in public attitudes toward people with disability, improvements are needed in terms of young people in the general population viewing people with disability as suitable partners and thus, allowing them to enjoy equal rights to relationships and sexuality. Culture is an important determinant, indicating a potential for change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current research in attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities yields heterogeneous results. The aim of the present paper was to systematically review current qualitative and quantitative evidence of attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities. A systematic review of current literature (2000–2020) was carried out in the ERIC, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, PUBMED, and WebOfScience databases. Thirty-three articles were included for review. The present review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO database. Included studies presented attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities in samples comprised of staff, family, members of the community, and adults with intellectual disability. Community samples held more positive attitudes, followed by staff and family. Adults with intellectual disabilities reported interest in intimate relationships but perceived barriers in others' attitudes. Factors such as familiarity, age, gender of the adult with a disability, and culture seemed to have clear relationships. Other factors such as gender or social status remain unclear. In general, attitudes were considered positive. However, a preference for low intimacy and friendship or Platonic relationships was found. Stereotypes towards intellectual disability may have a strong influence. These findings underline the need to investigate and address attitudinal changes to provide adequate support for adults with intellectual disabilities in regard to a healthy relational and sex life. Prospero registration number: CRD42021222918. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the sexual experiences of people with physical disabilities in Vietnam. The research on which this paper is based adopted a qualitative research with in-depth interviewing in combination with the photo elicitation method. Twenty Participants with physical disabilities participated in this study. During the interviews, participants were offered the options of drawing a picture or selecting some images from a small photo library that expressed their thoughts if they found questions difficult to answer. The findings revealed sexual experiences of people with physical disabilities regarding premarital sex, sexual activities, types of sex and orgasm. They expressed that they experienced sexuality in many ways. This research also found some sexual problems and participants' sexual desire. Despite some limitations caused by their disabilities, they were still satisfied with their sexual activities. However, some encountered sexual problems, particularly coercion and other difficulties such as abuse and domestic violence. Although they experienced some challenges with their sexual lives, they tried to deal with these problems in order to have a better sexual life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analysed the attitudes of the Czech public to the newly introduced service of sexual assistance to disabled persons. It constitutes the outcome of a discreet study of contributions at discussion forums of the idnes.cz newspaper related to the news concerning the introduction of the assistance (N = 183). The data show a low level of information on the topic, but also of the sexuality of disabled persons in general. Sexual assistants are equated with prostitutes; sexuality of handicapped persons is considered impertinent, or on the contrary, identical to sexuality of healthy persons. The defenders of the assistance point out the basic rights of disabled persons and good experience from abroad. Also, the limits of the service are discussed—the unaffordability and inaccessibility, the risk of the client's falling in love with the assistant, the tax aspect of the matter and the exclusive focus of the service on men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a metasynthesis approach to measure the sexual and reproductive health of people with physical disabilities in various developed and developing countries from 1995 to 2011. It mentions the emergence of four themes in the study such as reproductive health, sexual attractiveness, sexual health knowledge and sexual health issues. The research states a model to explain the internal and external factors in the reproductive and sexual life of people with physical disabilities.

This article focuses on the stories of women living with HIV concerning sexuality and well-being. Their stories counter the dominant perception of women's sexuality and challenge the social norms shaping their lives. Ten women between the ages of 28 and 55 were interviewed. At the interview time, five of the women were unemployed and one retired, four had a partner, and five had children. The semi-structured interviews were conducted following a face-to-face format in which the sex-affective area was explored, examining its relevance, the women's satisfaction, the difficulties they encountered, and the impact on their well-being. The results reflect the diversity of their experiences and the subordinate position they were in and their difficulties in meeting their sexual needs and achieving optimal levels of well-being. The data also reveals the status accorded to being a woman and being HIV-positive as factors affecting her sexual experience, as well as the difficulties she faced in obtaining satisfaction or care. Finally, this paper emphasizes the need to explore the obstacles in relation to living with HIV, including gender and sexuality, all of which must be taken into account in policy implementation and social policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on pregnancy for women with multiple sclerosis (MS) primarily focuses on medical aspects of pregnancy, and personal perspectives are often ignored. This paper explores pregnancy in women with MS by reporting on fertility, pregnancies, family planning, and identifying where they get information about pregnancy and MS. Data from 391 women with MS who responded to a paper and pencil survey are presented using descriptive statistics. Over half of the sample had children, and 14.2 % of the sample became pregnant after their MS diagnosis. Many of these women did not discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with their physicians or healthcare providers. One-third of women reported that their first pregnancy after their MS diagnosis changed their attitude about future pregnancies. Finally, the most common source of information about MS and pregnancy was specialists (i.e. neurologists or MS physicians). The results of this study can inform individuals who work with women with MS on how to improve services and communication with their patients of childbearing age who may be concerned about pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents and youth with disabilities in South Africa still lack access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services including comprehensive sexuality education, which may increase their vulnerability to SRHR issues such as HIV and sexual violence. This is exacerbated for learners with intellectual disabilities whose educators often lack skills and tools to accommodate these learners in comprehensive sexuality education lessons. The following paper outlines the findings of a formative evaluation of an innovative sexuality training approach for educators of learners with diverse disabilities (Breaking the Silence approach). This approach was developed and piloted with educators across eight schools for learners with intellectual disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The paper discusses the educators’ understanding and experiences of using this approach. The findings revealed that although educators were able to implement parts of the approach, contextual factors impacted the degree of implementation. These factors were related to perceptions of socio-cultural norms, interpersonal engagement with peers and management, the structural environment of school settings, and the wider community setting. Educators began to address cultural taboos related to talking about sexuality, but were challenged by untrained staff and the larger socio-cultural context, which includes a heighted risk of sexual violence against their learners. The paper concludes with recommendations for a further investigation of the approach within a whole school setting considering the needs of educators to not only acquire skills and knowledge but also to address their larger socio-cultural context in which they have to implement comprehensive sexuality education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper that originally published in the December 2017 issue contains judgmental nonprofessional terminology that does not reflect the standards of the field and of this journal. The journal and its Editor-in-Chief regret that this version gained acceptance and publication as such. A corrected version follows below. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender based violence is reportedly a 'thorn' in the experiences of sexuality of women with disabilities in Zimbabwe. Complex intersections of disability, culture, religion and normative gender roles and power relations within heteronormative relationships facilitate the vulnerability of women with disabilities to various forms of gender based violence, thereby perpetuating inequitable, unsafe and coercive sexual practices to the detriment of the women's health and well-being. Whilst some women with disabilities may be unable to defend themselves, others are not passive recipients of gender based violence, but they claim their agency and seek to 'protect' themselves in diverse ways. Nevertheless, some participants who may be at risk of experiencing gender based violence and acquiring HIV maybe unwilling to defy or to 'flee' from such challenges, alongside a traditional belief that the ability of a woman to bear hardships earns her respect and good repute, within a framework of the lower status of women in an African patriarchal context. These findings arise from a broad qualitative narrative pilot study which explored the experiences of sexuality of women with disabilities in Zimbabwe. Sixteen women with physical, mental and sensory disabilities were selected through snowball sampling techniques to participate in the study. The three sub-sessions of the biographic narrative interpretive method were used to generate data and such data was analysed through both the narrative analysis and the analysis of narratives approaches. This paper is located within a critical feminist disability studies theoretical framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the nature of sexuality education offered to learners with intellectual disabilities in Nairobi, Kenya. Data was gathered using focus group interviews with 56 learners with mild intellectual disabilities in the age range of 16-22 years. It was supplemented by group interviews with teachers and individual interviews with two head teachers and three deputy head teachers. Interviews were tape-recorded with participants' permission and thematically analysed. The findings are presented in three themes: (a) sources of information on sexuality-related issues; (b) sexuality education content; and (c) suggestions for strengthening the current sexuality education programs for the group in question. The paper concludes that sexuality content offered for adolescents with intellectual disabilities is not empowering, it perpetuates their marginalization in society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scoping review provides an overview of access to reproductive health care for women with physical disabilities in low-middle income and high-income countries from 1995 to 2017. The paper reviews 40 qualitative studies, identified by searching 10 databases including Ovid (Health and psychosocial instruments, NHS economic evaluation database), OVID MEDLINE, Pubmed, Informit (Health and Society, Health collection, Humanities and social sciences collection), ProQuest Central (ProQuest XML), CINAHL Plus (EBSCO), ScienceDirect Journal, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, BioMed Central. Nine main themes were identified. They included: unavailable, unreliable or dated health information; removal of participants' autonomy; limited reproduction-related education; health provider-derived barriers; systemic barriers to access; socio-economic barriers; transportation barriers; Family-related barriers; and reproductive technology barriers. These themes are explored across various country contexts, including high-income countries with high access to reproductive health care, high-income countries with low access, low-middle income countries with high access, and low-middle income countries with low access. Some suggestions for improvements are also outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual assistance services that people with disabilities use for help with sexual activity must be specialized and adapted to the users' different conditions. Some aspects of sexual assistance have been mentioned in the literature, but the subject is still relatively unexplored, particularly regarding adapted services for people with disabilities. The objective was to create a toolbox with items that might be required in encounters with individuals with disabilities and to think of innovative ideas to improve sexual assistants' work. This multi-method qualitative study involved two meetings: one workshop and one co-design session. The sample included six future sexual assistants studying at the Italian Institute of Sexology in Rome. The workshop presented two different scenarios so the students could think of what is needed to improve their work. At the end of the workshop, a list of items was developed. The co-design session explored possible design solutions to improve and facilitate their work as sexual assistants. The idea that interested everyone due to its practicality, usability and feasibility was an inflatable sofa/mattress that includes internal divisions so different sections of the mattress can be inflated and/or deflated. The development of projects such as this one provides different perspectives on what still needs to be done within the sexual assistance domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of a spinal cord injury on sexuality must be seen in the light of sexuality being a central aspect of being human according to WHO. The term is broad and covers many aspects of being. The focus in this paper is the lived experiences of sex life with a spinal cord injury understood as sex being a part of life. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of sex life from the onset of a spinal cord injury to 10 years after. The fact that sex life after a spinal cord injury cannot be separated from what it means to have a 'damaged spine' and how this impact on a person's life was illuminated in interviews collected among ten participants during 10 years after the injury. The themes of re-establishing a sex life consisted of overcoming hinderances related to the body, the self, and the partner. (1) Handling physical impairment, (2) feeling attractive despite physical changes, (3) establishing and sustaining a sexual relationship, (4) regaining a sex life by finding new ways, (5) losing sex life and maybe also intimacy. This was an elongated process with many challenges related to returning to an everyday life. The findings indicated a need for professional support. The consequences for the relationship and hence the sex life as well as the loss thereof with all that it implies point out that couples therapy could be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings of a constructivist grounded theory study conducted within the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The study explored how family caregivers respond to sexuality issues of their young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Indepth interviews and focus group discussions were used as methods of data collection. Twenty-five family caregivers participated in the study. The family caregivers' perceptions highlight how the lifelong care relationship and the living arrangements attached to it may become a hindrance to people with ID exercising sexual autonomy. The family caregivers felt responsible for the young adults' behavior and determined what was appropriate or not with regards to the young adults' sexuality. Concerns about the young adults' future care were central in the family caregivers' responses. We conclude that without the appropriate forms of support for both the young adults and their caregivers, the young adults will continue to be policed by the family caregivers and not have choices and opportunities to enjoy and express their sexuality. The support interventions needed should alleviate the burden of care from the family caregivers and also ensure independent living and more choices for the young adults with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses sexuality and intimacy behaviors of the elderly with dementia living in residential care. The study explores this thematic from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and family caregivers. The methodology used is based on a qualitative method approach. The research was conducted in Portugal, using semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews. Thirty-two people participated in this study. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis to help identify repeated patterns of meaning in the dataset. The following key findings emerged: (1) participants identified the presence of sexuality, intimacy and sexual behavior in elderly people with dementia, primarily due to the physiological needs of individuals; (2) sexuality was mostly considered as an important manifestation of love, affectivity and proximity; (3) social and cultural beliefs influenced participant's perception of the issue, some considering it a taboo subject; (4) participants expressed the need for these behaviors be considered natural and acceptable as sexuality and intimacy are inherent in humans and contribute to an individual's quality of life hence they should also be dealt with in a practical manner; (5) a general limitation in training and institutional guidelines was identified; (6) decision-making in the area of sexuality should be determined by the elderly if they maintain the ability to manifest what their wishes are. As life expectancy increases along with dementia cases, a better understanding of sexuality in dementia, is of great importance as it could potentially help increased the quality of life for these individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces the articles in the December 2000 issue of the periodical 'Sexuality and Disability.' General overview of disability and sexuality; Papers presented at the conference 'Disability, sexuality, and culture: Societal and experiential perspectives on multiple identities.'

This paper uses the experiences of disabled lesbians to explore the intersections between disability, race, and sexuality. In addition to looking at the connections in oppressions the paper celebrates the positive and joyful sexuality of disabled lesbians. While identity formation and management remains challenging, the barriers are being dealt with as disabled lesbians claim their wholeness. Visibility and invisibility in the disability and lesbian communities are discussed and critiques are aimed at the constructions of both lesbianism and disabled people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the issues of inappropriate sexual comments and behaviors directed at a female student in a hospital environment. Through a discussion of case reports, the paper explores the difficulties faced by female students addressing sexual responses by patients with dementia. To further complicate the emotional difficulties of students, these issues are typically difficult and uncomfortable to explore in clinical supervision. The paper concludes with some examples of how female students can be supported and prepared to work with this difficult patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information the First National Congress on Sexological and Sexuality Education Research Congress in November 1999. Official languages; Scientific program; Abstract for submission of papers; Accommodation information; Special incentives; Dates to remember.

This paper will describe the Disabled Women's Network (DAWN) in Canada, its origins, its significance, and its effective contributions to public awareness and social policy. DAWN was conceived as a result of the realization that the disabled community and its advocates lacked gender awareness or sensitivity, while the women's movement had a blind spot regarding women with disabilities. The paper will consider the topic against the background of disability statistics, the health care system in Canada and from a perspective of needs, risks and tasks of women in general and women with disabilities in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper initially examines the social work roles of educator, counselor, and advocate in the field of human sexuality and the physically disabled. The second part of the paper reviews a sexual counseling program for disabled college students, developed and co-led by the author, and illustrating many of the concepts presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores choice of marriage partners among individuals with visual impairment in India. The importance of marriage and the desirability of characteristics and traits in the prospective marriage partners were investigated from 42 individuals with visual impairment in the age group of 18-35 years, in Mumbai, India. Non-probabilistic sampling was used to collect data using an online pre-coded questionnaire, where 35 characteristics of the prospective partner were rated on a 4-point scale, along with ranking 16 traits in order of preference. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis of data. Marriage was considered important for the sample. Family's opinions were considered vital in marital decisions, but individual choice was important. Women preferred older partners as compared to men. More women, than men, considered visual impairment of partners an irrelevant determinant for partner selection. Statistically significant gender differences were found in the valuation of characteristics and traits with women valuing good financial prospects, chastity, good behavior towards parents, desire for home and children, and being teetotal, more than men. Men desired a physically attractive partner whereas women valued financial stability. Women valued the traits of easy going, good housekeeper and good earning capacity while men preferred a physically able spouse. There is potential for research on gendered marriage choices, specifically among various marginalized populations. Interaction of cultural practices and marriage preferences of individuals with disability could be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, one billion people with disabilities face additional barriers in the society that prevent equal participation in their human rights and fundamental sexual freedom which can impact their overall sexual health and wellbeing. Despite the advances in health services over the decades with a substantial decline of the new HIV infections, the exclusion of people with disabilities from mainstream HIV prevention campaigns can heighten risks of exposure to HIV/AIDS. The paper explores the impact of stigmatization and discrimination of people with disabilities from international perspectives based on the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals specifically on combating HIV/AIDS, through quality education and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In their roles as 'reluctant jailors' Foley (British J Learn Disabil, 2012. doi:) of their adult sons and daughters with Down syndrome, many parents, when trying to achieve the right balance between empowerment and protection, err on the side of caution. This is particularly the case when it comes to the sexual needs of their intellectually impaired charges. Hence, the fact that the discourse around the use of facilitated sex as a mechanism to meet the sexual needs of adults with Down syndrome remains in the eyes of many such parents, the most dangerous discourse of all. By utilizing insights gleaned from the three faces of power debate-with a particular focus on the contribution made by Lukes (Power: a radical view. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, 2005) and his radical theory of power- this paper will offer an ideological critique of the current sexual status quo in such homes. It will argue that liberal-minded parents, as well as exercising power, are, unbeknownst to themselves, the victims of a more insidious form of power than is dreamt of solely by reference to a liberal understanding of this much disputed concept. This is a state of affairs which leaves such parents outsourcing their thinking on the issue of how they should act with regard to optimizing the possibility of their disabled sons and daughters leading a sexual life, to a set of ideologies they would otherwise consciously disown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature shows that learners with disabilities lack access to sexuality education in Africa and are therefore at increased risk of sexual abuse and exploitation as well as exposure to HIV. Teachers in special schools struggle to provide sexuality education to learners with disabilities. However, the challenges and how they are shaped by the teachers' knowledge, attitudes and practice in regards to the subject are little understood. This paper reports on the process of developing, culturally validating and piloting a questionnaire that assesses the teachers' knowledge, attitude and teaching practices. The questionnaire validation used the cultural equivalence testing framework from Stevelink and van Brakel testing for conceptual, item, semantic, operational and measurement equivalence using expert advice, literature, a sensitivity questionnaire and focus group discussions. The validation process provided crucial pointers toward improving and culturally adjusting scales. This has developed a robust tool with the exception of the knowledge scales. In the further process the latter will be refined and adjusted. This tool helps to identify teachers' challenges around sexuality education and has informed the development of a curriculum innovation and toolkit that supports teachers to effectively deliver sexuality education to learners with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the paper "A General Review of Recent Reports on Homosexuality and Lesbianism," by John R. Hughes. He argues that the author has aimed to select and report 1,000 of the most recent indexed topics in medicine but only 75 articles are discussed. He implies that it is disconcerting that the results from the studies, used as unpresentative samples, are constantly generalized to the whole population of homosexual men and lesbians.

Student nurses should be aware of their sexual myths to be able to offer holistic nursing care to their patients. The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of student nurses about sexuality and sexual myths. The study population included fourth-year student nurses of a nursing department of a university (N = 160). The purposeful sampling method was used to explore the sexual myths of the student nurses. The study sample consisted of 31 student nurses. Data were collected by asking the participants a total of three questions in the individual in-depth interview form. After transcribing the audio-recorded interviews, the transcripts were combined with observation notes and then raw data were processed in computer. Finally, a content analysis was performed. As a result of the content analysis, two main themes with 13 subthemes emerged in the study: “Thoughts/Judgments About Sexuality” and “Thoughts/Judgments About Sexual Myths”. The student nurses stated that sexuality is seen as a taboo subject in the society they live in, there should be no sexual activity in old age, and they had difficulty in explaining what sexual myths mean. Also, the participants stated they thought that only men can masturbate, but married individuals and women should not masturbate, and watching pornographic films is wrong behavior. This paper is crucial to determine student nurses’ level of awareness of their own sexual myths and those in their own society and to determine their opinions and thoughts on sexual myths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health among people with physical disabilities in Vietnam. A qualitative research design was adopted. Indepth interviewing and photo elicitation methods were used to collect stories from 20 participants. The findings suggest that without formal education about sexual and reproductive health people with physical disabilities in Vietnam gain knowledge through their experiences and from informal sources of information. Participants perceived safe sex to include contraceptive methods, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, having orgasm together and finding balance between health and sexual needs. Participants related reproductive health to fertility, restriction of family size, sexually transmitted diseases, and self-care in pregnancy. Reasons for insufficient knowledge included limited education due to: disability and poor family background; limited education on sexual and reproductive health issues; absence of family and community discourse about sexual and reproductive health; and lack of information resources. Participants acknowledged that their knowledge was inadequate. They wanted to know more about sexual and reproductive health but lacked access to the relevant information. Health care providers, researchers, and policymakers in Vietnam should address the gaps in sexual and reproductive health care knowledge among people with disabilities in Vietnam and those that provide care to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]