Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
Department
Department of Psychology
Abstract
Background: Accessible, culturally relevant data collection tools to assess the sexual health knowledge of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people labelled with intellectual disabilities are sparse.
Materials and Methods: Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) we piloted a variety of interactive activities designed to assess the sexual health knowledge and decision making skills of LGBTQ young people with intellectual disabilities.
Results: Posters created by youth participants suggested substantial sexual health knowledge and empowerment, while individual knowledge assessment scores indicated a range in understanding of risks and strategies to avoid pregnancy, HIV and herpes.
Conclusions: These findings reinforce the importance of using multiple strategies to assess sexual knowledge with this population. Creative evaluation strategies catering to the cultural specificities, sexual experiences, and cognitive abilities of diverse youth help to clarify gaps in knowledge and areas for renewed attention.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, C., Marshall, Z., Flicker, S., McClelland, A., Vo, T., Nepveux, D., Proudfoot, D., Nixon, S., & Hart, T. (2014). Condoms and contradictions: Assessing sexual health knowledge in lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer youth labelled with intellectual disabilities. Critical Disability Discourse/Discours Critiques dans le Champ du Handicap 6, 107-139.