The Study of Experiences of Chemical Victims of Iraq–Iran Conflict in Terms of Nature and Structure of Suffering Sources

Abstract

Introduction: Suffering is a subjective phenomenon that affects all dimensions of an experiencing person, family members and health team. Relieving suffering of each individual is a principal goal of health team. It seems that chronic process of disease and numerous physical problems, along with psychological, social and economical problems in the chemical victims, each can by itself involves a source of suffering in this group of patients. The aim of this study was to clarify chemical victims' experiences of the Iran-Iraq war in terms of nature and structure of suffering sources. Methods: This is a qualitative study with phenomenological method. Twelve military chemical victims were selected based on purposive sampling with the maximum variety. The study data were gathered through in-depth and non-structured interviews and, thus were analyzed by “Parse” method. Results: The findings of this study are summarized in these core concepts: “Suffering as a value resource” , “Physical problems as a source of suffering”, “society as a source of suffering”, “The economic problems as a source of suffering”, “Disturbance in family comfort as a source of suffering”. Conclusions: Participants' experiences reflect that victims need to be understood by health team, officials and members of the society. Moreover, some steps can be taken to reduce the suffering including increasing social respect, supporting family clubs. Also providing other social supports such as educational programs to improve their caring of themselves and offering appropriate facilities proportionate with needs of victims can be mentioned