Síndrome de Down na adolescência: limites e possibilidades

Down syndrome in adolescence: limits and possibilities

Abstract

Purpose: Study the exercise of sexuality in teenagers with Down syndrome (DS), looking for better orientation about reproductive health for them. Methodology: Transversal, descriptive study with 50 adolescents with DS, aged between 10 and 20 years, cared for in the multiprofessional clinic of the Pediatrics Department of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo in the period ranging between May 1st 2007 and April 30th 2008. A structured questionnaire was used, after the adolescent’s and his caretaker’s authorization and an informed consent form was signed. The research was approved by the ethics committee on human research of the institution. Results: Average age 13.5 years, 50% female. 86% went to school. 66% took shower, 78% performed their physiological needs, 70% did the intimae hygiene and 76% brushed their teeth without help. 42% masturbated, 24% daily, 75% in private place. 42% had kissed, 28.6% of the partners had DS. 82% found themselves attractive and 33% wouldn’t change anything in their appearance. Conclusion: Among the teenagers with DS we found that: they presented normal development in the exercise of sexuality, they had difficulties in autonomy and they were satisfied with their body image.