Conducting research with a limited sample size, as seen in this study, can impact the generalizability and scope of the research findings. A smaller sample size limits the ability to capture a wide range of perspectives and may not fully represent the broader population's experiences. While it allows for in-depth exploration, the findings may need to be viewed cautiously when attempting to apply them broadly. However, for exploratory studies aiming at gaining specific insights, such as understanding specific student experiences during a pandemic, a smaller sample can be adequate for generating valuable, context-specific conclusions .

The key ethical considerations in conducting qualitative research with student participants involve ensuring consent, confidentiality, and respect for participants' privacy and cultural beliefs. In the study, these were addressed by obtaining informed consent through signed forms, allowing students to remain anonymous if desired, and respecting their privacy by not requiring them to disclose personal information such as their names. The researchers ensured they followed ethical principles by allowing participants to withdraw and by documenting interviews through consenting processes. Additionally, the study respected the participants' culture and beliefs, ensuring no harm or distress was caused during interviews .

The validation of the interview questions contributed significantly to the reliability of the research findings by ensuring that the questions were directly related to the main research idea and objectives. By having the questions validated by three experts from different schools using a Research Instrument Validity Testing Tool, the study achieved a high validity rating of 4, which confirmed that the questions were appropriate and relevant to the research topic. This validation process increased the credibility of the findings by providing a robust basis for data collection, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the study's results .

The challenges faced in participant recruitment included the limited availability of students due to their busy schedules and the time constraints imposed by academic obligations. Additionally, a reduced number of willing participants led to a smaller-than-expected sample size of 12 students, which potentially limited the diversity of responses. These factors affected the data collection process by necessitating the use of convenience sampling, which focused on those who were most readily accessible. To mitigate this, researchers ensured ethical participation and obtained consent, although the compressed timeline and smaller sample size may have limited the depth and breadth of data collected .

Qualitative research plays a critical role in understanding student health during a pandemic by capturing in-depth insights into personal experiences, emotions, and perceptions. It was chosen for this study to explore the nuanced impacts of the pandemic on health beyond what numerical data could reveal. This methodology allows researchers to gather rich, detailed accounts from students regarding how their routines and health were affected, which are vital for developing accurate and comprehensive understandings of the issue .

The researchers facilitated the interview process and data handling by using technological tools such as Microsoft Word and Google Meet. These tools allowed for remote data collection, which was crucial given the constraints imposed by the pandemic. Google Meet enabled the documentation and execution of interviews without physical presence, while Microsoft Word was used to prepare and distribute the interview questions to participants. This approach ensured the efficient collection, recording, and organization of qualitative data, facilitating ease of access, and thereby improving the overall management of information gleaned from participants .

The researchers ensured confidentiality by allowing participants to choose whether to disclose their names and personal information, ensuring their identities remained private and known only to the researchers. This is important in qualitative research to protect participants' privacy, encourage frank and honest responses, and maintain trust between researchers and participants. By safeguarding their information, the researchers ensured ethical standards were met, which is crucial for the integrity and acceptance of the research findings within the academic community .

The case study method enhanced the understanding of student health during the pandemic by providing a detailed examination of specific individuals' experiences from Regional Science High School for Region 1. It enabled researchers to compare, evaluate, and understand different health aspects by focusing on a limited but relevant participant group. This allowed researchers to generate in-depth, contextually rich insights into how the pandemic influenced students' routines and health, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the varied impacts within this specific educational setting .

The use of convenience sampling impacts the validity and reliability of qualitative research outcomes by potentially introducing selection bias, as it does not ensure a random or representative sample. In this study, the validity is maintained by focusing on the availability and willingness of participants, which ensures relevant data is collected, although at the expense of generalizability. Because convenience sampling limits the diversity of experiences captured, it might not adequately represent the broader student population at Regional Science High School for Region 1. The research acknowledges this limitation by conducting interviews only with students available and willing to participate, which aligns with exploratory research goals .

The timing and setting of the interviews, conducted during the first and second week of June 2021, potentially influenced the research findings by capturing responses relevant to the period after students experienced a full academic year impacted by the pandemic. This context likely heightened their perceptions of health status changes, providing data that reflected immediate recollections and reactions to the challenges faced. The setting using digital platforms also introduced dynamics distinct from face-to-face interactions, which might have affected the depth and nature of participants' responses, influencing the thematic contents and conclusions drawn from the data .