Doris Olga, Morrissey Eimear C
School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland.
Chronic Illn. 2025 Jun;21(2):277-290. doi: 10.1177/17423953241282246. Epub 2024 Sep 5.
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the experiences of university students with a chronic illness in Ireland. The study also aimed to gain insight into students' experiences with Disability Support Services (DSS) and identify gaps where additional supports and resources are needed.DesignCross-sectional qualitative study.MethodsFourteen students from three Irish universities participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed through the six-step process of reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes were developed: (1) The burden of managing a chronic illness alongside university education; (2) Interruptions, disruptions and alterations to college life; (3) Flexible supports for fluctuating conditions; (4) Achieving in educating while living with a chronic illness.ConclusionsParticipants reported a physical and emotional burden. Despite engaging in rigorous management strategies, many participants missed lectures and socialising with peers. Some found the supports from DSS to be useful, however many were unsure if they qualified for support, or found the supports available to be generic and inadequate for their needs. There is significant scope for the delivery of both teaching and DSS to be improved for this cohort, ensuring that all students, regardless of their health status, have equal opportunities for success.
目的
本研究旨在探索爱尔兰患有慢性病的大学生的经历。该研究还旨在深入了解学生在残疾支持服务（DSS）方面的经历，并找出需要额外支持和资源的差距。
设计
横断面定性研究。
方法
来自爱尔兰三所大学的14名学生参与了半结构化访谈。访谈进行了录音、转录，并通过反思性主题分析的六个步骤进行了分析。
结果
（1）在接受大学教育的同时管理慢性病的负担；（2）大学生活的中断、扰乱和改变；（3）对病情波动的灵活支持；（4）在患有慢性病的情况下实现学业成就。
结论
参与者报告了身体和情感上的负担。尽管采取了严格的管理策略，但许多参与者错过了课程和与同伴的社交活动。一些人发现DSS提供的支持很有用，然而许多人不确定自己是否有资格获得支持，或者发现现有的支持很一般，无法满足他们的需求。对于这一群体，教学和DSS的提供有很大的改进空间，以确保所有学生无论健康状况如何都有平等的成功机会。
