EXPLAINING THE NEEDS OF SPOUSES OF VETERANS WAR

EXPLAINING THE NEEDS OF SPOUSES OF VETERANS ‘WAR WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER A-10 -348 -1

INTRODUCTION PTSD is one of the main problems of mental health, care of the veterans with PTSD results in some physical and psychological complications, mainly, in their spouses, affecting their quality of life and creates the need for them. The purpose of this study was to explore the needs of veterans' wives with Post-traumatic stress disorder.

METHOD The present study was a qualitative content analysis in which data were collected through individual in-depth semi-structured interviews with 22 veterans' wives and key informant such as health care providers, specialist, and their husband who were purposefully selected. Qualitative data was analyzed using Maxqda.

RESULTS Qualitative findings revealed two main themes, including "the need for policy making in the posttraumatic disorder prevention services" and " needs to optimize the structure of preventive-care and welfareservices". subthemes of these themes, including “The need for respect from the community and the state", "The need for educational and counseling services", "The need for adequate facilities and support" and "The need to empower veteran spouses. "

CONCLUSION Based on the information obtained, it is recommended that appropriate planning, budget allocation and human resources be used to honor and respect, provide facilities and advocacy, provide educational and counseling services, and empower veteran spouses to improve the health of women and improve the health of the community.

KEYWORDS Health; Need assessment; Veterans; Spouse, post-traumatic stress disorder