Disability and Sexuality: Examining the Sexual Behaviour and Experiences of Persons with Disabilities in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana (GAMA)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The relationship between disability and sexuality is a multifaceted and much-neglected subject of research. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), like persons without disabilities, have the rights and desires to explore and express their sexuality. However, for PWDs, societal stereotypes and perceptions of asexuality often hinder them from fully experiencing and embracing their sexuality. Research in Ghana and across West Africa has frequently concentrated on the exclusion and prejudice faced by people with disabilities (PWDs) in several sectors, including healthcare, education, employment, and the provision of sexual and reproductive health services. Academic studies examining sexual behaviours and experiences, as well as variables influencing these behaviours among PWDs, are few. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the sexual behaviours and experiences of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), with an emphasis on gender differences in sexual behaviour. And examines the influence of the impairment or disability and other sociodemographic variables on their sexual behaviour, as well as their experiences of stigma and discrimination. METHODOLOGY: Grounded in the Life course theory/Perspective and the Sexual Script theory, primary data was collected among 381 respondents (quantitative) and 17 participants (qualitative) within various districts in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data, while a semi-structured one-on-one interview approach was used to elicit the sexual life stories of participants. The respondents were persons with physical, sight, and hearing/speech disabilities. Techniques such as cross tabulations and multivariate regression analysis were used for the quantitative data analysis, while thematic analysis was utilised to analyse the qualitative data. The main independent variables were gender and type, or domain of disability and the dependent variables were the age at first sex, sexual activity and number of sexual partners respondents had within twelve months before the study. FINDINGS: Among other things, the study revealed that the mean age at sexual debut of respondents is 21 years, and contrary to the assumptions that PWDs are asexual, the majority of the young respondents aged 18-24 years were sexually active. Although statistically there was no relationship between disability and the variables that measure the sexual behaviour of respondents, the narratives of participants highlighted several ways in which their disability affected their sexual lives. Participants also narrated how they have been victims of discrimination and stigma, with neighbours being the chief orchestrators of these harmful negative attitudes. The study demonstrates that there are different socialisation patterns for men and women, wherein parents exhibit a more lenient attitude and actively support and approve of the sexual relationships of their young adult males with disabilities; they, however, exert more control over the sexualities of their young adult female relatives with disabilities. Although participants recognise the stigma and discrimination present in their experiences of sexuality, they also demonstrate a feeling of power and control over their sexual lives. As they navigate the difficulties they face, they also create for themselves advantages in the expression of their sexuality. CONCLUSION: The study concludes by acknowledging that empowering persons with disabilities in expressing their sexual desires and preferences is a crucial aspect of ensuring their overall well-being and promoting inclusivity in society. The study recommends that governments and disability organisations develop comprehensive support systems and educational programmes that can empower individuals to explore their sexual desires and preferences safely and respectfully, devoid of stigma and discrimination.