Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112427

Lena Marie Edmunds, MPH, CHES¹, Elizabeth Rink, LCSW, CHES¹, and Ann Zukoski, DrPH MPH². (1) Benton County Health Department, PO Box 579, Corvallis, OR 97339-0579, 541-766-6629, lena.m.edmunds@co.benton.or.us, (2) Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 254 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406

An emergence of studies within the past twenty years has demonstrated a need to recognize and address the psycho-social-sexual needs of people with developmental disabilities (DD). Some of these concerns include high rates of sexual abuse of and by individuals with DD, unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV/AIDS. Over the past two decades, numerous programs have been developed to educate the DD population on issues of sexuality; yet few have been rigorously evaluated. Furthermore, no evidence-based best practices in this field have been established. The Benton County Health Department in Corvallis, Oregon implemented a sexuality education intervention for individuals with mild and moderate developmental disabilities. The intervention underwent an evaluation that included pre/post intervention assessments of knowledge and attitudes. In addition, a pre/post environmental assessment was completed by the course moderators to measure change in observed comfort-levels discussing sexuality issues, and self-efficacy in practicing safe sexual behavior. During this presentation, the authors will discuss the following: 1) Sexual health issues among individuals with developmental disabilities; 2) Theoretical constructs used to guide the development of a sexuality education program 3) Key components for sexuality education program development for individuals with developmental disabilities; and 4) Evaluation results of a sexuality education program for persons with mild and moderate developmental disabilities living in Benton County, Oregon.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session the participant (learner) will be able to identify three sexual health concerns of the developmentally disabled population.
• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to recognize key components of an effective sexuality education intervention for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will increase their awareness of evidence-based sexual health promotion and health education strategies for people with developmental disabilities.

Keywords: Disability, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.