Spiritual/Religious Readjustments Among Iranian War Veterans

There is growing evidence that the spiritual/religious (S/R) beliefs of war veterans change, even years after the war. Researchers need to explore these changes in different cultures and religions. This study therefore identified S/R changes in Iranian war veterans after three decades of war between Iran and Iraq. The participants were veterans (n = 14), their relatives (n = 5: wives [3] and children [2]), and service providers and decision and policymakers (n = 12) at the Foundation for Martyrs and Veterans' Affairs (N = 31) in Iran. We collected data with semistructured interviews and used an inductive approach to carry out thematic content analysis (Graneheim et al. in Nurse Education Today, 56, 29-34 2017). Two key themes emerged, namely, questioning S/R values and finding new S/R beliefs and concepts. Qualitative assessment of S/R status in Iranian war veterans should assist service providers in making referrals, evaluations, and interventions, which could include spiritual and culture-based care.

Automated summary

There is evidence that the spiritual/religious beliefs of war veterans change over time, and this study focuses on such changes in Iranian war veterans after three decades of war. The study identifies two key themes: questioning previous beliefs and finding new spiritual/religious values. These findings can assist service providers in providing appropriate care and interventions.