Page 346 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

Data were collected through telephone interviews and Zoom focus group

discussions, and with two key informants who closely work with students with
disabilities. Data were collected through informal conversations, encouraging

participants to discuss the issues without any influence from the researchers.

Data were analysed thematically using qualitative analysis techniques, and
secondary source literature, including published articles and online resources

related to sexual and reproductive health, were used for the literature review.
Research ethics were strictly adhered to in obtaining information. The study

was conducted with their prior consent. In this study, non-participation of

students with disabilities and speech and language impairments in other
universities can be a limitation.

2.1. Participants' Background Information
The study participants were students enrolled in the University of Peradeniya

and the University of Colombo who were categorised as fully visually
impaired, semi-visually impaired, or locomotor impaired based on the

International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health. The sample
consisted of male and female students with fully and semi-fully impaired

vision and only female students with locomotor impairments. It should be

noted that excluding students with speech and hearing impairments may have
implications for the generalizability of the study findings. Furthermore, the

participants were drawn from diverse backgrounds, including rural and urban

settings, particular educational backgrounds, and those admitted to the
university through a particular intake.

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