Participants required for a Study on Chronically Ill Mature Adult Learners (Autoimmune illnesses) 

HSS/0347/013M

My name is Michelle de Lange, a Masters of Adult Education student at the University of KwaZulu- Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. In order to fulfill the requirements of my degree I need to complete a research project that I am hoping you will be a part of.

The purpose of my research study is to gain insight into the lives of chronically ill (autoimmune illnesses) adult students as they navigate their way through higher education. 

For the purposes of my research, the chronic illnesses I will be looking at will include autoimmune illnesses such as:

• ·         Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• ·         Early Stage Multiple Sclerosis
• ·         Rheumatoid Arthritis
• ·         Chron’s disease

As well as so-called ‘mystery’ illnesses such as:

• ·         Chronic Fatigue Syndrome  
• ·         Fibromyalgia

·         Any other illness that has similar characteristics such as inflammation, nausea, fatigue, pain and general feelings of malaise.

I am looking for mature adult students, i.e. students who have returned to study after some years.

As a participant, you would be required over the space of two months, to keep a diary, have one in-depth interview with me half way through the process and one focus group session with the other participants at the end of the two months. The study will be guided by ethical principles of anonymity and confidentiality.

If you think you would be interested in participating in this study please contact me for further details.

Michelle de Lange

081 212 4794

michelleannedelange@gmail.com