Experiences of higher education students with chronic illnesses

Hamilton, Pippa R.; Hulme, Julie A.; Harrison, Emma D.

Abstract

This paper explores the experiences of students with chronic illnesses in UK universities. Sixty-seven students with chronic illnesses completed an online survey with open-ended questions about their experiences in higher education. Questions covered four main topics: academic work; university staff; social and extracurricular activities; and participants’ miscellaneous opinions. Using thematic analysis, the data were analysed with references to the social model of disability and social representations of chronic illness. Participants wrote of misconceptions surrounding chronic illnesses, a sense of inequality, and feeling undervalued. Many staff members seemed to lack understanding and so ‘policed’ academic regulations rather than accommodating for their chronic illnesses. However, some participants wrote of social and academic ‘allies’ who offered understanding and proactive support. The findings add substance to the chronic illness literature with the focus on students at university, and we offer recommendations to universities for improving inclusivity for students with chronic illnesses.

Citation

Hamilton, P. R., Hulme, J. A., & Harrison, E. D. (2021). Experiences of higher education students with chronic illnesses. Disability and Society, 38, https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2021.1907549

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 20, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Apr 26, 2021
• Publication Date: Mar 22, 2021
• Journal: Disability and Society
• Print ISSN: 0968-7599
• Electronic ISSN: 1360-0508
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 38
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2021.1907549
• Keywords: students, chronic illness, fatigue, higher education, myalgic encephalitis, university
• Publisher URL: http://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2021.1907549