An Evaluation of Staff Attitudes towards the Sexual Activity of People with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

This article presents part of a study which aimed to evaluate staff attitudes towards the sexual activity of people with learning disabilities. The need for such a study is clarified, drawing upon the development of societal attitude change, normalisation and community care. Previous research in this area is reviewed and the potential change in hospital policy at the research site, which is a medium secure unit, is considered. The first part of the research is presented, which involved 69 questionnaires containing a 20-item attitude rating scale and open and closed questions being sent to both clinical and non-clinical staff. The data from the 46 (67%) returned questionnaires are analysed. Although some conservative attitudes remain, the results highlight a liberal trend in attitudes. Many staff identified a need to change hospital policy, provide more staff training and improve condom availability. Methodological issues are also discussed.