Journal of the Dow University of Health Sciences (Jun 2025)

Knowledge, Experiences, and Challenges of Mothers in Delivering Comprehensive Sexuality Education to Adolescents with Disabilities at Home: A Mixed-Methods Study from Indonesia

  • Ni Luh Putu Suariyani,
  • Luh Putu Wulandari Artha,
  • Kadek Tresna Adhi,
  • Rina Listyowati

DOI
https://doi.org/10.36570/jduhs.2025.2.2197
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 2

Abstract

Read online

Objective: To explore knowledge, experiences, and challenges faced by mothers in delivering comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to adolescents with disabilities in a home setting in Indonesia. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in four government special schools in Bali Province between September 2022 to February 2023. The quantitative phase employed a cross-sectional survey among 132 purposively selected mothers using a structured questionnaire based on the International Planned Parenthood Federation framework to assess knowledge and attitudes toward CSE. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 20 mothers, exploring their experiences and barriers in providing CSE. Results: Over half of mothers 68 (51.5%) demonstrated good knowledge of reproductive health, with higher educational attainment significantly associated with better knowledge (p-value <0.001) and more positive attitudes (p-value <0.001). Although 93 (70.5%) of mothers reported having provided some form of CSE at home, discussions often focused on basic topics such as puberty, with limited coverage of sensitive areas like pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Qualitative findings revealed challenges including lack of parental training, communication barriers due to the child's disability, and cultural discomfort surrounding sexuality. Mothers expressed a preference for shared responsibility between schools and families in delivering CSE and emphasized the need for tailored support and resources. Conclusion: Despite generally positive attitudes, mothers face considerable barriers in effectively delivering CSE to adolescents with disabilities. Interventions are needed to enhance parental knowledge, confidence, and skills through culturally sensitive, disability-inclusive training and to promote collaborative approaches between schools and families for comprehensive CSE delivery.

Keywords