The design, content and delivery of relationship and sexuality education programmes for people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review of the international evidence

Brown, M., McCann, E., Truesdale, M. , Linden, M. and Marsh, L. (2020) The design, content and delivery of relationship and sexuality education programmes for people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review of the international evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(20), 7568. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph17207568)

Abstract

There is growing empirical evidence regarding the relationship and sexuality experiences and needs of children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. A total of twelve papers met the inclusion criteria regarding relationship and sexuality education (RSE) programmes specific to the needs of this population. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed and quality appraisal undertaken. The four themes identified were principles informing RSE programme development, design and content of RSE programmes, delivery of RSE programmes and evaluation of RSE programmes. The discussion presents areas that need to be addressed to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities, their families, carers and professionals are fully involved in the design and delivery of RSE programmes. Further research is required to identify the impact of the programmes and the sustained outcomes achieved. Recommendations are made regarding the activities required to enable the development of evidence-based and person-centred approaches to relationship and sexuality programmes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Truesdale, Dr Maria

Creator Roles

Truesdale, M.: Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Brown, M., McCann, E., Truesdale, M., Linden, M., and Marsh, L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1661-7827
• ISSN (Online): 1660-4601
• Published Online: 18 October 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17(20):7568
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence