Explanation of the factors facilitating self-care among Iranians’ veterans with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The lack of self-care in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder can cause physical health problems, which consequently result in a poor quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed at identifying and exploring the factors facilitating self-care in veterans with chronic post-traumatic disorder. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted by conventional content analysis. 12 veterans with the chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and 13 caregivers were selected using purposive sampling to participate in the study. Data collection was carried out during 18 individual interviews and two group interviews, which were profound and semi-structured. Results: Five main categories including spirituality, personal knowledge, family support, social support, and institutional facilities were extracted as factors facilitating self-care in physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual domains. A total of 14 subcategories emerged. Conclusions: Planning and intervention on the factors facilitating self-care in different domains can help to achieve independence in caring for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.