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Citation |
Jemtå L, Fugl-Meyer KS, Oberg K. Acta Paediatr. 2008; 97(5): 641-646. |
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Affiliation |
Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. Lena.Jemta@rehab.uu.se |
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Erratum On |
Acta Paediatr 2008;97(7):998. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2008, John Wiley and Sons) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
18394110 |
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Abstract |
AIM: The aim was to describe experiences of intimacy and sexual activity and exposure to sexual abuse among children and adolescents with mobility impairment, and to relate these experiences to socio-demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being. METHODS: This study included semi-structured interviews with 141 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years with mobility impairment. Interpersonal experiences of intimacy and sexuality, socio-demographic data, disability characteristics and well-being were registered. RESULTS: About half of the children and adolescents in the study had been in a boy- or a girlfriend relationship, and about a fifth had an ongoing relationship. Of the adolescents, 15% had at least one experience of a sexual relationship. Whereas no particular sexual dysfunction was reported, 15% had concerns about their future sexual activities, presumably related to mobility impairment. A history of sexual abuse was reported by 7% in the age cohort of 13-18 years. The socio-demographic and disability-related features had a marginal influence on the experiences of intimacy and sexual activities. CONCLUSION: Several aspects of sexual health are not fully realized for children and adolescents with impaired mobility, and there is a need for specialized sexual health care services to protect the sexual rights of this group. Language: en |