Sexual behaviours and education in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome: A grounded theory study of experiences and opinions of their mothers in Turkey

Gokgoz C., Deliktaş Demirci A., Kabukcuoğlu K.

RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, cilt.112, 2021 (SSCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 112
  • Basım Tarihi: 2021
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103907
  • Dergi Adı: RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, PASCAL, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Sexuality, Mothering, Supportive programmes, Adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and opinions of mothers about sexual behaviours and sexual education of their children with DS who are AYAs in Turkey. The study utilised a classic grounded theory approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 mothers. Data were analyzed by the constant comparative method. Mothers expressed that they could not address the sexual needs of their child because they did not feel they could provide sufficient care to their child. Mothers used pressure and control tactics and neglect of the sexuality to cope with their children?s sexuality. Mothers described their meaning of the sexuality, fear of stigmatization and gender issues as determinant factors on the dealing with the sexuality. They stated their knowledge about sexuality is not enough to provide sexual education. Many cultural issues such as gender, meaning of the sexuality and burden of care was described as determinant factors and difficulties to providing sexual education. Therefore, educational and supportive programmes for parents should be conducted. Comprehensive, valid and individualized sexual education program also should be provided AYAs with DS.