Introduction and objectives: Sexuality spans the biological, psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of one’s life. Disability does not damper one’s sensual feeling, as well as sexual and intimacy needs. Nevertheless, there has been a general reluctance to approve sexual expression among people with disabilities, who are often viewed by the society, including health care professionals, as incomplete humans and asexual. The objectives of the study were to investigate the attitudes of the adult persons with physical disabilities towards sexuality, to explore their sexual concerns, and to identity their service needs. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey using in-depth, semi-structured interviews on 33 informants with physical disabilities (18 males and 15 females), together with field observations. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes and issues as emerged from the data. Results: Sexuality and sexual concerns neither had been adequately addressed nor discussed during the rehabilitation process. Peer group is the first source of information on sexuality for the informants. Inability to engage in sexual activities appears to affect one’s self and sexual esteems, and sexual identity. Furthermore, male informants perceived that being able to have erection is a sign of manhood. Process of sexual infantilisation or asexualisation for persons with congenital problems or injuries at young age was subtly conducted by family and health care professionals. There are general hesitations among the informants to develop intimate relationship or consider marriage as they were concerned with the inability to meet partner’s sexual needs and play the expected sexual role. Conclusion: Misconception, ignorance and hesitation to initiate sexual concerns among service consumers and health care professionals create barriers for people with disabilities to develop or resume intimate relationship and to live a fully sexual and satisfying life. The implications for health professionals will be discussed at the congress.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: Departmental Research Fund
Sydney, Australia, April 2007
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