Sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes among young adults with limiting disabilities: findings from third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore whether the sexual behaviours and sexual health outcomes of young adults with self-reported disabilities that they perceive limit their activities (‘limiting disability’) differ from those without disability.DesignComplex survey analyses of cross-sectional probability sample survey data collected between September 2010 and August 2012 using computer-assisted personal interviewing and computer-assisted self-interview.SettingBritish general population.Participants7435 women and men aged 17–34 years, resident in private households in Britain, interviewed for the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported sexual behaviour and sexual health outcomes.ResultsApproximately 1 in 10 participants reported having a limiting disability. Sexual behaviours were similar between those with limiting disability and those without, with a few exceptions. Women and men with limiting disability were less likely to report having sexual partner(s) (past year, adjusted ORs (AORs) for age and social class: AORs: 0.71, 0.75, respectively). Women with limiting disability were more likely to report having same-sex partner(s) in the past 5 years (AOR: 2.39). Differences were seen in sexual health outcomes, especially among women; those with limiting disability were more likely to report having experienced non-volitional sex (ever, AOR: 3.08), STI diagnoses (ever, AOR: 1.43) and sought help/advice regarding their sex life (past year, AOR: 1.56). Women with limiting disability were also more likely to feel distressed/worried about their sex life than those without limiting disability (AORs: 1.61). None of these associations were seen in men.ConclusionsYoung adults with limiting disability, especially women, are more likely to report adverse sexual health outcomes than those without, despite comparatively few behavioural differences. It is important to ensure that people with disabilities are included in sexual health promotion and service planning, and targeted policy and programme interventions are needed to address negative sexual health outcomes disproportionally experienced by people with disabilities.

Prevalence and types of sexual inactivity in Britain: analyses of national cross-sectional probability survey data

“…Indeed, the proportion of men and women reporting a lack of interest in sex increased with age 15. A further explanation is that individuals may adjust their priorities, type of sexual activity and expectations to cope with their own health challenges, and those of their partners,44 45 which are likely to be more prevalent at older ages 46…”

Sexual Satisfaction and Its Associated Factors among Married Women in Northern Ethiopia

“…Lawrance and Byers defined sexual satisfaction as "an emotional response to a subjective evaluation of positive and negative aspects related to sexual life" (4). It is a key factor in individuals' sexual health and overall life satisfaction (5,6). Moreover, having a satisfactory sexual life is the basis of a happy marriage and family, being an essential component of health-related quality of life (7).…”

Italians Do It … Less. COVID-19 Lockdown Impact on Sexual Activity: Evidence From a Large Representative Sample of Italian Adults

“…The association between decreased sex frequency in people living in smaller houses can be interpreted both in light of lack of privacy to have sex, as well as a proxy for lower socio-economic status with consequent higher risk of anxiety associated to household-level economic impact of COVID-19 response and decrease willingness to enjoy sex. 14 Findings from our survey suggest decreased sexual activity in more educated subjects who might have adopted a more cautious approach to sex being more aware of the public health emergency and associated risks. 15 Subjects reporting longer time spent outdoor before the lockdown might be more likely to have more unstable relationships or to have suffered more from staying at home, with ultimate consequences on sexual desire.…”

“…The association between decreased sex frequency in people living in smaller houses can be interpreted both in light of lack of privacy to have sex, as well as a proxy for lower socio-economic status, with consequent higher risk of anxiety associated to household-level economic impact of COVID-19 response and decrease willingness to enjoy sex. 14 …”