Sexuality and learning disabilities
Darren Savarimuthu Staff Nurse, Hull and East Riding Community Health NHS Trust
Toni Bunnell Lecturer, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, University of Hull
Background Sexuality and sexual health are issues that have been neglected in nursing practice and in the literature. This literature review discusses how the sexuality and sexual health of clients with learning disabilities are perceived and addressed in contemporary society.
Conclusion Sexuality and challenging behaviours, such as self-harm, can be linked and by denying or ignoring the sexual needs of clients there might be a case for professional negligence. The attitudes of staff and carers are important in understanding the sexual needs of clients and the shortfall in the education and training of nurses.
Nursing Standard.
17, 39, 33-35.
doi: 10.7748/ns2003.06.17.39.33.c3404
Correspondence
savdarren@hotmail.com
Peer review
This article has been subject to double blind peer review
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