Access to Sexuality Information among Adolescents with Disability

Abstract

Adolescent with disability face numerous reproductive health problems. Their vulnerability increases with discrimination and neglect in provision of sexual and reproductive health information and services. The study investigated access of in-school adolescents with disabilities in Osun State to sexuality information and education. Cross-sectional study of 140 adolescents with disabilities and 10 Kids with teachers in 5 special schools were conducted to determine access of adolescent with disability to sexuality information. Study revealed poor access to sexuality information, low capacity to manage sexual difficulties and engagement in unsafe sex. The predominant source of sexuality information is peer (30.7%) indicating strong peer influence in moulding sexual behaviour pattern. Parents and teachers lack the knowledge and skills to provide required information and guidance on sexual matters, hence high dependence on peers for sexuality information often results in negative outcomes with short or long term reproductive health challenges. Interestingly mothers are the mostly preferred parent for provision of sexuality education as indicated by the adolescents. Existing national curriculum on family life and HIV/AIDS education does not recognize the sexual and reproductive needs and rights of adolescents with disabilities, leaving a significant population of young people to sexual exploration with negative implications on individual, family and the society.

Keywords: Sexuality Information, Adolescents with disabilities, Family Life Education, Special School

Ife PsychologIA, 20(2), September 2012