Omsorgspersonalens tankar och arbetssätt kring sexualitet : En kvalitativ studie på grupp- och serviceboenden för personer med intellektuell funktionsnedsättning

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to acquire a greater understanding and knowledge about how care staff at houses with special services for people with intellectual disabilities think and work (handle situations) regarding sexuality. To achieve our goal we carried out nine semi structured interviews using an interview guide. These interviews took place in two different communities in southern Sweden. The theoretical perspectives that were used to analyze the result were Sense of Coherence, Scope of action and Normalization. The result showed that the staff considered sexuality a part of their work and a natural subject to talk about. However they found some subjects harder to discuss, for example sexual abuse. The only time the subject was discussed was when the residents approached the staff themselves. The staff believed that treating the residents with respect and preserving their integrity was very important. Another consideration was that the residents should be able to decide as many things as possible in their life. The staff also wanted to explain sexuality as a meaningful part of life. There were differences in how much support the staff received from their employer. An essential support for the staff was their colleagues. Guidance meetings and other professionals, for example nurses were also supportive. There were differences in how much education the staff received regarding sexuality. They concluded that their actions were based on their own perspective. They did not feel the need to further educate themselves regarding sexuality but thought that it would be interesting and useful.