Journal of Qualitative Research in Health Sciences
Volume:2 Issue: 1, 2013

Donations are one of the resources for financing healthcare. As charities do not always work according to the objectives of health systems, numerous problems develop. This study aimed to identify charities engaged in the health sector of Kerman Province (Iran) and to describe their management, their interactions with other parts of the health system, and their problems and challenges. In the present qualitative study, six charities were identified. We interviewed 15 purposefully selected individuals working in these institutions. The interviews were conducted based on structured interview guide in the form of two in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed through framework analysis. Six themes were recognized regarding charity institutions management. They included institution practice scope, resourcing, type of donations, resource utilization pattern, challenges and interactions with universities and other related institutes. Our findings indicated that primary health issues are not amongst the priorities of the studied charities. On the other hand, as donations are not a sustainable resource, other specific resources are necessary. Donations should be directed toward the objectives of institutions. Legal and administrative obstacles have to be completely eliminated. Medical universities and other organizations should continue their mutual relationship with charities to facilitate the implementation of charities’ plans.

Health is a holistic concept that incorporates physical, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, mental, mystical, intrinsic, communicative, and cognitive dimensions. However, spirituality is the least understood and most challenged dimension of health. The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of spirituality. In a conventional content analysis, 10 participants of the Quran and Medicine Congress were recruited. Data was collected with semi-structured interviews and narrative approach. We recognized one theme, i.e. multidimensional concept of spirituality and its aspects, and two main subthemes, namely different perceptions of people about the concept of spirituality and various aspects of spirituality. Although this study provided a definition of spirituality and its dimensions, these concepts are ambiguous and have unclear domains. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to differentiate between aspects of spirituality.

Health is a holistic concept that incorporates physical, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, mental, mystical, intrinsic, communicative, and cognitive dimensions. However, spirituality is the least understood and most challenged dimension of health. The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of spirituality. In a conventional content analysis, 10 participants of the Quran and Medicine Congress were recruited. Data was collected with semi-structured interviews and narrative approach. We recognized one theme, i.e. multidimensional concept of spirituality and its aspects, and two main subthemes, namely different perceptions of people about the concept of spirituality and various aspects of spirituality. Although this study provided a definition of spirituality and its dimensions, these concepts are ambiguous and have unclear domains. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to differentiate between aspects of spirituality.

Retirement is a crucial period of life. However, the necessity of paying attention to the retired person’s health and needs is usually neglected. This study explored the experiences of retired nurses of health status during retirement. This qualitative study used maximum variation sampling to select 23 retired nurses in Semnan (Iran) during 2010-11. Semi-structured interviews with open questions were used to collect data. The interviews were recorded and transcribed word by word. They were finally analyzed with content analysis. Helplessness was extracted as the main theme. It included subthemes of physical weakness, emotional emptiness, inadequate social status, and desperation and trust in God. The findings of this study explained the physical, mental, social, financial, and spiritual aspects of health based on the experience of retired nurses. These factors emphasized the necessity of attention to the health needs of the retired population by health authorities and planners. Obviously, implementing appropriate interventions for supporting this group will promote the health of all retired individuals in the community.

Although it is an accepted fact that using coping strategies have an important role in the coping process and quality of life following spinal cord injury (SCI), there is still little information about this issue in the world and especially in Iran. The purpose of this study was to explore important coping strategies used by Iranian patients with spinal cord injuries. 18 patients with SCI from The Brain and Spinal injury Repair Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and the Protection Center of the disabled with spinal cord injury were interviewed deeply. Data were collected through recorded interviews, and concurrently analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. Data analysis showed seeking help from religious beliefs (understanding the disease as a divine fate and test, appeal to Imams, and increasing worship), to be an important coping strategy. Understanding strategies that influence the patients’ coping with the SCI will contribute to the nursing body of knowledge. It also helps nurses and other health-care professionals, and the patients’ families in reinforcing the most effective coping strategies and promoting the quality of care.