An Affective-Sexual Education Program for People With Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: Analysis of Its Effectiveness in the Spanish Context.

INTRODUCTION

Affective-sexual education is essential for all people, regardless of their intellectual capacity. However, people with intellectual disabilities, and especially those with conceptual, social, and practical limitations, may face additional challenges. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the Saludiversex-M affective-sexual education program for people with moderate intellectual disabilities using a controlled trial design.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 99 Spanish participants with moderate intellectual disabilities completed a battery of instruments before and after the intervention. Overall, 30 support staff professionals hetero-evaluated participants before and after the program.

RESULTS

Multilevel analyses showed that knowledge about sexuality significantly increased among those who received the intervention compared to those who did not. Support staff observed an increase in knowledge about sexuality and reported decreased concern about uninhibited behaviors among those who participated in the program.

DISCUSSION

The Saludiversex-M program is effective in improving knowledge about sexuality, which is essential for promoting behavioral change. The program is a pioneering and effective educational strategy for sexual health promotion for people with moderate intellectual disabilities and empowers support staff working with these populations.