Abstract
Introduction
This mixed-method study (a) describes challenges to providing sexual health services
to youth with mobility impairments from the perspective of health care providers and
experts and (b) describes and compares sexual health–related experiences of youth
with mobility impairments.
Method
Secondary data analysis of My Path, a study focused on the transition to adulthood
for youth with mobility impairments. Using an exploratory sequential design, qualitative
data (n = 10) were analyzed using systematic content analysis followed by quantitative analysis
of survey data (N = 337).
Results
Challenges included not talking about sex, managing sexual development, adaptation
and instruction, parent roles, and safety. Survey data showed that youth with mobility
impairments are diverse in their experiences with sexual behavior and sources of sexual
health information. Although connected with primary care providers, few received information
about sexual health.
Discussion
Interventions to improve youths' well-being should include comprehensive care and
education that promotes and supports healthy sexual development.
Key Words
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Biography
Molly Secor-Turner, Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
Biography
Barbara J. McMorris, Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Biography
Peter Scal, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 16, 2017
Footnotes
Funding for this study comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities #1U48DP001939 (P.S., principal investigator). This manuscript is a product of the University of Minnesota Prevention Research Center and was supported by Cooperative Agreement number 5 U48 DP001939 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
