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Publication
Perceções dos profissionais de saúde sobre a sexualidade de pessoas com Síndrome de Down
| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
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| 1.14 MB | Adobe PDF |
Authors
Abstract(s)
Introdução: A síndrome de Down é uma condição genética, presente em 0,1% da
população mundial, que confere características únicas. A saúde sexual e a sexualidade das
pessoas que vivem com esta condição ainda são um tabu, muitas vezes negligenciadas e
embora a saúde sexual seja um indicador de saúde global e contribua para a melhoria da
qualidade de vida, existem poucos estudos sobre este tema em pessoas com atraso de
desenvolvimento. Para uma melhoria da qualidade de vida das pessoas com esta síndrome
é importante uma melhor compreensão da sua sexualidade ao longo da vida de forma a
contribuir para o seu bem-estar sexual. Assim, é fundamental compreender as perceções
dos profissionais de saúde acerca da sexualidade de pessoas com síndrome de Down, uma
vez que estes têm um impacto direto nos cuidados prestados.
Objetivos: O estudo tem como objetivo explorar as perceções dos profissionais de saúde
em relação à sexualidade na síndrome de Down, de modo a compreender as suas visões,
desafios e atitudes sobre o tema.
Metodologia: Estudo transversal analítico cuja amostra terá como população alvo
profissionais de saúde a exercer funções em Portugal. A recolha de dados foi realizada
através de um questionário online, desenvolvido na plataforma Google Forms, que foi
divulgado por e-mail e redes sociais. A participação na amostra foi voluntária e obtida por
conveniência. A análise estatística dos dados foi feita utilizando o IBM® SPSS® (Statistical
Package for Social Sciences) Statistics versão 30.0.
Resultados: Os resultados deste estudo demonstram que a maioria dos profissionais de
saúde reconhece o dever de segredo médico, a capacidade das pessoas com síndrome de
Down para fornecer consentimento informado, manifestação de vontade/direito ao
casamento e a relevância do acesso a orientações sobre contraceção. No entanto,
identificaram-se lacunas significativas ao nível da literacia em saúde sexual, com a maioria
dos profissionais a referir não se sentir preparada para conduzir sessões educativas nesta
área. Foram ainda observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas perceções dos
profissionais de saúde em função do género, idade e formação académica especializada,
evidenciando a necessidade de programas de formação contínua e de diretrizes específicas
que promovam uma abordagem inclusiva e informada da sexualidade em pessoas com
síndrome de Down.
Introduction: Down syndrome is a genetic condition present in 0.1% of the global population, characterized by unique features. The sexual health and sexuality of individuals living with this condition remain taboo, often neglected. Although sexual health is a global health indicator and contributes to an improved quality of life, there are few studies addressing this topic in individuals with developmental delays. Enhancing the quality of life for people with this syndrome requires a better understanding of their sexuality throughout their lifespan to contribute to their sexual well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to understand healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the sexuality of individuals with Down syndrome, as they have a direct impact on the care provided. Objectives: This study aims to explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions of sexuality in Down syndrome to understand their views, challenges, and attitudes on the subject. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional study targeting healthcare professionals working in Portugal. Data were collected through an online questionnaire developed on Google Forms, distributed via email and social media. Participation in the sample was voluntary and obtained through convenience sampling. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using IBM® SPSS® (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Statistics version 30.0. Results: The results of this study demonstrate that most healthcare professionals recognize the duty of medical confidentiality, the ability of individuals with Down syndrome to provide informed consent, express their will/right to marriage, and the relevance of access to guidance on contraception. However, significant gaps in sexual health literacy were identified, with most professionals reporting feeling unprepared to conduct educational sessions in this area. Statistically significant differences were also observed in healthcare professionals' perceptions based on gender, age, and specialized academic training, highlighting the need for continuous training programs and specific guidelines that promote an inclusive and informed approach to sexuality in individuals with Down syndrome.
Introduction: Down syndrome is a genetic condition present in 0.1% of the global population, characterized by unique features. The sexual health and sexuality of individuals living with this condition remain taboo, often neglected. Although sexual health is a global health indicator and contributes to an improved quality of life, there are few studies addressing this topic in individuals with developmental delays. Enhancing the quality of life for people with this syndrome requires a better understanding of their sexuality throughout their lifespan to contribute to their sexual well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to understand healthcare professionals’ perceptions of the sexuality of individuals with Down syndrome, as they have a direct impact on the care provided. Objectives: This study aims to explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions of sexuality in Down syndrome to understand their views, challenges, and attitudes on the subject. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional study targeting healthcare professionals working in Portugal. Data were collected through an online questionnaire developed on Google Forms, distributed via email and social media. Participation in the sample was voluntary and obtained through convenience sampling. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using IBM® SPSS® (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Statistics version 30.0. Results: The results of this study demonstrate that most healthcare professionals recognize the duty of medical confidentiality, the ability of individuals with Down syndrome to provide informed consent, express their will/right to marriage, and the relevance of access to guidance on contraception. However, significant gaps in sexual health literacy were identified, with most professionals reporting feeling unprepared to conduct educational sessions in this area. Statistically significant differences were also observed in healthcare professionals' perceptions based on gender, age, and specialized academic training, highlighting the need for continuous training programs and specific guidelines that promote an inclusive and informed approach to sexuality in individuals with Down syndrome.
Description
Keywords
Direitos Sexuais Profissionais de Saúde Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva Sexualidade Síndrome de Down