Sexuality in People with Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Physiotherapists' Perceptions

IntroductionSexuality is an important aspect of comprehensive care for patients with disabilities. However, for many healthcare professionals in clinical practice, sexuality is not usually an issue discussed with patients. The aim of this study was to explore and describe physiotherapists' perceptions of sexuality in people with disabilities.MethodsThis study follows a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. Two focus groups were carried out, and twelve interviews were conducted with 24 physiotherapists involved in the care of persons with physical and intellectual disabilities. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the help of qualitative software.ResultsTwo main themes and five subthemes emerged from the data: (1) Silenced and denied sexuality in the lives of people with disabilities, with the subthemes "sexuality in people with intellectual disabilities: a human right not exempt from risks" and "the sexual challenges of living with a physical disability"; (2) the management of the physiotherapist is key for healthy sexuality, with the subthemes "physiotherapist-patient trust: an essential element in dealing with sexuality," "physiotherapists' barriers to addressing sexuality," and "the role of physiotherapy in sexual health of people with disabilities."Conclusions and Policy ImplicationsPhysiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions, the sexual education of people with disabilities, and their relationship to their environment. Physiotherapists' lack of training and their excessive workload make it difficult for them to give advice on sexuality. Providing sex education to disabled people and their caregivers is essential to avoid risks.