Page 354 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

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

socio-cultural environment, where sexual and reproductive health is

considered taboo.

The study included students from university-accredited groups who received

special education and those who entered university through inclusion

education. The experience of sexual and reproductive health in those groups
was unique. Students with disabilities in particular education backgrounds

have more interaction within the disability community compared to those from
inclusive education backgrounds. Respondents in the study reported high

levels of romantic relationships among students with disabilities, which
sometimes resulted in unintended pregnancies due to a lack of knowledge

about safe sex and contraception. It further revealed that students with

disabilities often come to university with limited sexual and reproductive
health education from their families and schools. They mentioned that there is

more sleep in the university environment.

"It was unbelievable the spaciousness of the university. After coming to

university, I was able to roam with my friends, and that was amazing." (P6,

23, Female, Visually Impaired).

A visually impaired assistant lecturer (Key Informant1, Female, 28) and a

visually impaired student representative (Key Informant2, Female, 27) who
participated in the study commented that disabled students often form close

relationships, interact frequently, and share personal and academic matters.

This increase in intimacy can lead to the development of intimate
relationships, leading to unintended pregnancies due to the lack of knowledge

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