Parents' Experiences of the Sexual Development of Adolescents With Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Background This study aims to systematically synthesise qualitative research findings regarding the sexual development of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) from the perspective of their parents. Method A comprehensive search across seven databases identified 15 studies on parents' experiences regarding the sexual development of adolescents (10–19 years) with intellectual disabilities. In the study, the ENTREQ guidelines were followed, and the CASP checklist was used for quality assessment. Data synthesis followed an inductive approach by Sandelowski and Barroso. Results Parents' experiences were categorised into five themes: parents' perceptions of their children's sexuality, social and emotional impacts of sexual changes, parents' needs and strategies for sexual education, increasing concerns and responsibilities with sexual changes, and strategies for managing sexual behaviours. Conclusion Educational and guidance services provided by health professionals regarding the sexual development of children with intellectual disabilities could help manage sexual needs and sexual health issues within this population more effectively.