National survey of sexual behavior and sexual behavior policies in facilities for individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities.
To obtain information regarding sexual behavior and related policies in state residential facilities for individuals with mental retardation/developmental disabilities, we sent surveys to 168 members listed in the Association of Public Developmental Disabilities Administrators 1998-1999 directory. Response rate was 68.5%. For the 46 facilities where 50% or fewer of clients had profound retardation, sexual relations between clients was reported to occur "sometimes" or "often" by 29 (63%). Six of 115 (5.2%) administrators reported at least one client with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past year. Of 110 instances of sexual abuse reported, the perpetrator was another client in 63% of cases. Ninety-six percent of administrators (n = 110) reported their facility had written guidelines concerning sexual abuse. Careful monitoring of STDs and the effectiveness of sex education will be instrumental in preventing HIV/STDs and helping prevent sexual abuse in this vulnerable population.
Gust
Deborah A
DA
National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. dgg6@cdc.gov
Wang
Susan A
SA
Grot
James
J
Ransom
Ray
R
Levine
William C
WC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006270:Health Facility Administrators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D016134:Organizational Policy; D012112:Residential Facilities; D012742:Sex Offenses; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D035862:Vulnerable Populations