Interventions that support adults with brain injuries, learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders in dating or romantic relationships: a systematic review

Human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis and care among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are publicly insured

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, HIV diagnosis and receipt of HIV care among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) who are publicly insured in the USA.

DESIGN

This study is a cross-sectional analysis of Medicare-Medicaid linked data of adults with IDD who were publicly insured in 2012 (n = 878 186).

METHODS

We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios of HIV testing, diagnosis and receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We also identified the relationship between predisposing (age, gender, race and ethnicity), enabling (Medicare, Medicaid or both; rural status; geographical location; and county income) and need-related characteristics (IDD diagnosis and other co-occurring conditions) associated with these outcomes.

RESULTS

Only 0.12% of adults with IDD who had no known HIV diagnosis had received an HIV test in the past year. The prevalence of HIV diagnosis among adults with IDD was 0.38%, although differences by type of IDD diagnosis were observed. Prevalence of HIV diagnosis differed by type of IDD. Among adults with IDD who were living with HIV, approximately 71% had received ART during 2012. The adjusted analyses indicate significant racial disparities, with Black adults with IDD making up the majority (59.11%) of the HIV-positive IDD adult population.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with IDD are a unique priority population at risk for HIV-related disparities, and the level of risk is differential among subtypes of IDD. People with IDD, like other people with disabilities, should be considered in prevention programming and treatment guidelines to address disparities across the HIV care continuum.

Attitudes Toward Dating People with Disability Amongst Young People in Australia and Hong Kong

This paper explores attitudes toward dating people with disability amongst young people in Australia and Hong Kong. Data relating to disability were extracted from an e-survey that investigated young people’s (n = 2208) experiences of and attitudes toward dating. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics while open ended responses were subjected to interpretive content analysis. When asked about preferred characteristics for potential dates, young people identified factors that were unlikely to be negatively influenced by disability, such as loyalty, honesty, dedication, humour, and kindness. Yet when asked whether disability would influence their dating choices, most said that it would and expressed an unwillingness to date people with disability. Young adults in Hong Kong expressed less openness to dating people with disability than those in Australia. Physical disability and mental health issues were seen as less of a barrier to dating than intellectual or developmental disability. Despite recent gains in public attitudes toward people with disability, improvements are needed in terms of young people in the general population viewing people with disability as suitable partners and thus, allowing them to enjoy equal rights to relationships and sexuality. Culture is an important determinant, indicating a potential for change.

Current practices and beliefs regarding supporting dating skills in rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury: a survey study

BACKGROUND

Relationships are important to quality of life after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there has been limited research into how to support dating skills or how professionals view this area.

METHOD

An online 52-item survey was developed and sent to professionals in the UK involved in rehabilitation after TBI. Recruitment was through professional networks, special interest groups and social media.

RESULTS

125 participants from a range of professions completed the survey. Many agreed that dating skills are important in rehabilitation (81.6%), but fewer (51.2%) reported engaging in this work. Psychologists, SLTs and OTs were identified as well placed to address dating skills. Case managers also appeared aware of this work. Participants reported using a range of activities to address dating skills, including managing disinhibited behavior and teaching interaction skills. Perceived barriers were both personal and professional, including lack of resources and feeling embarrassed.

CONCLUSION

This study has highlighted an awareness of the importance of dating in brain injury, but professionals face multiple barriers to supporting dating skills. It is possible to draw on recommendations from related areas, including rehabilitation for cognitive communication difficulties and sexual dysfunction with further research to specifically link these areas to dating skills.