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OBJECTIVES Women with physical and mental disabilities are often less likely to report receiving sexual education. There are a variety of factors that cause this problem such as social stigmas where women with disabilities are perceived as non-sexual and therefore not in need of sexual education. An additional barrier is that learning materials may not include education tailored for people with disabilities. Education plays a crucial role in giving people the skills to have positive sexual health. This study aims to compare women with physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities, or both physical and cognitive disabilities on exposure to sex education. METHODS This national study was an online survey of women with self-reported physical and/or cognitive disabilities. The study included an 83-question internet survey. The survey questions were tested by disability experts and designed to understand the healthcare needs of women with a disability and identify areas of improvement. Data were collected on various sex education topics and respondents were asked whether the information was received from a parent/guardian or in a school, church, or community center. SPSS software was used to calculate descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to compare women with different types of disability. Survey data were compared to national data. RESULTS A total of 224 women participated in the study: 135 with a physical disability, 49 with a cognitive disability, and 40 with both types of disability. A total of 98.5% of those with physical disability and 100% of those with cognitive disability reported receiving education about one or more sex education at topics at home, and 99.3% with physical ii ii and 100% with cognitive disabilities reported education about at least one topic at a school, church, or community center. 100% of those with both physical and cognitive reported receiving at least one or more topic from a parent or guardian and from a school, church, or community center. CONCLUSION More research is needed to understand barriers to comprehensive sex education among women with disabilities in both home settings and church/community/school settings. Sexual education is important for women with disabilities because it equips them with the skills needed to have healthy sexual lives. |
