Experiences of students with chronic illness in university education in Ireland

Objective The 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. Design Cross-sectional qualitative study. Methods Fourteen 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. Results Four 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. Conclusions Participants 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.