Abstract

Background: Self-care is a vital aspect of the holistic nursing of patients with chronic diseases, yet self-care strategies used by veterans who were injured by mustard gas, are not clearly identified. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine some self-care strategies for chemically-injured veterans. Methods: The current qualitative study was conducted based on the conventional content analysis approach. Data collection comprised of 16 semi-structured interviews with chemical veterans. The purposive sampling method was used up to data saturation, and data analysis was conducted using Lundman and Graneheim's qualitative content analysis method. Results: Data analysis resulted in the extraction of a main theme (using protective behaviors) with 4 sub-categories (setting activities, trying to adapt, trying to be independent, and seeking information), that represent the experiences of chemical veterans in regard to self-care behaviors. Conclusions: Protective behaviors in chemical victims originate from their personal, social, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Identifying these behaviors can guide protective health care system policies.