Effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health education for the parents of individuals with developmental disability

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the knowledge level of parents of people with developmental disability in terms of sexual and reproductive health of people with developmental disability (SRHPDD), to give training on this subject and to determine the effectiveness of the given training. Material and Methods: The research included three centers for people with developmental disability reflecting different socio-economic and cultural levels. One hundred and thirteen parents participated in the study and their knowledge on the SRHPDD was determined. The training program included conference presentations, role-play, and booklets and those parents who fully participated in the training program were included in the evaluation. Eighteen participants completed the training program. The data collection instruments were a socio-demographic information form, and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Assessment Form. Results: Most of the parents (60.2%) believed they could not develop "effective and appropriate coping strategies" related to their children's SRH while almost half (47.9%) considered receiving counselling. Overall, 40.7% of the parents stated that they were "highly affected" by the events experienced by their children in terms of SRH. A significant difference was found between the mean knowledge score of parents in terms of SRHPDD and receiving counselling; those who considered receiving counselling had higher mean scores (t=2,25; p=0,02) than parents who did not consider receiving counselling. The mean knowledge score of the parents increased after the training. Conclusion: The socio-demographic and cultural features of the parents of children with developmental disability influence the knowledge level of the disabled people. The knowledge level of the parents increased with training on SRH. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.