Fostering Healthy Relationships in Special Olympic Athletes: Supporting the Intersection of Intellectual Disability and Sexual Health.
Stephanie Andreasen, Tessa Allison, Brennah Kamelchuk, Victoria Formusa, Brock Reissner, Stephanie Howe, Janet McCabe, Alan S Martino, Carly A McMorris
Author Information
Stephanie Andreasen: School and Applied Child Psychology, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Tessa Allison: Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
Brennah Kamelchuk: Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Victoria Formusa: Special Olympics Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Brock Reissner: Special Olympics Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Stephanie Howe: School and Applied Child Psychology, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. ORCID
Janet McCabe: Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Alan S Martino: Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Carly A McMorris: School and Applied Child Psychology, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
BACKGROUND: People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights to explore their sexuality and access sexual and reproductive healthcare, yet little is known about their needs and wants when accessing health education. The current study sought to learn about the sexual health interests, attitudes, and educational needs of Special Olympics (SO) athletes. METHODS: Thirteen participants completed a questionnaire and a 45-min interview, including SO athletes, coaches and caregivers of SO athletes. RESULTS: Survey responses indicated the importance of access to sexual health education, but significant barriers were noted. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts highlighted the importance of healthy relationships, inequalities in learning, and need for information to promote safety. CONCLUSIONS: Findings add to existing evidence that people with intellectual disabilities value healthy relationships and want to learn more about sexual health. Several recommendations are offered to increase the effectiveness of sexual health education.
