Sex Education Needs of Japanese People with Spina Bifida: Relation to Participants' Demographics.

The purpose of this study was to determine the sex education needs of people with spina bifida through their responses to a questionnaire. The questionnaire was disseminated to people with spina bifida between the ages of 18 and 40 years. Of the 436 questionnaires distributed, we received 48 valid responses (11.0%). The questionnaire included items related to demographic characteristics and preferences regarding the content of sex education. Twenty-two options were created to ascertain the desired content of sex education. These items were classified into the eight key concepts (KCs) specified by the International Technical Guidelines for Sexuality Education. T-tests were conducted for the eight KCs and gender, age, diagnosis, presence of hydrocephalus, physical function, and dating experience. Overall, most participants wanted to be educated on "KC1 Relationships" and "KC4 Violence and Staying Safe." Participants under 30 years of age wanted to be educated on "KC6 The Human Body and Development." Participants diagnosed with spina bifida aperta and those who used diapers/pads preferred to be educated on "KC2 Values, Rights, Culture, and Sexuality" and "KC3 Understanding Gender." Those who had been in a relationship preferred education in "KC3 Understanding Gender," "KC5 Skills for Health and Well-being," and "KC8 Sexual and Reproductive Health." Considering these results, we should enhance sex education for people with spina bifida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]