Disabilities and chronic illnesses - challenges faced and expectations from university support systems: a study among medical undergraduates of the University of Colombo

Abstract

Introduction: Despite a recent increase in the number of undergraduates with disabilities and chronic illnesses enrolling in tertiary education, their concerns and difficulties remain under explored. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of disabilities and chronic illnesses among undergraduates of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and to identify the academic and socioeconomic challenges they face and the support they expect from the university to overcome these. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using total population sampling of 1589 undergraduates of the faculty. Data were collected through a self-administered, online questionnaire with open- and close-ended questions.