Concept and quality of life construct elements in chemical injured: A qualitative study

The delayed complications of mustard gas poisoning begin after several months even to several years after exposure. One of the highly principal concepts in the chronic diseases is the quality of life of the patients. The aim of this study was to clarify the concept and construct elements of quality of life in the chemical patients with mustard gas. In this descriptive study with qualitative approach, 20 injured male and female (military and non-military) which were in the chronic disease phase were selected based on purposive sampling. The study was conducted with semi structured individual interview and focused group discussion. The data were analyzed using content analysis method and key concepts were extracted. A group of participants considered health as physical, intellectual and ability of perform duties and common expectations from every person and the other group considered it as having welfare and general comfort. Chronicity of disease in the chemical patients and delayed effects of the disease had led to changes in all aspects of their health so that they had been affected with serious physical troubles especially in the respiratory organs, skin, eyes, etc. The quality of life is a relative concept influenced by the disease nature (physical, psychological, emotional and social health), health concept (wellness, Personal efficacy and Welfare) and adaptation factors.