Journal of Injury and Violence Research

Pleasant freedom with suffering wounds: a qualitative study of post-discharge life in trauma patients recovered from coma

Asad Imani — 2026-04-15

Background: Trauma patients recovering from coma face significant physical, psychological, and social challenges after returning home, which may adversely affect their daily lives and well-being. Exploring these experiences can inform care needs and guide tailored post-discharge support. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore post-discharge life experiences in trauma patients recovered from coma.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis. A total of 17 trauma patients who had recovered from coma and had been discharged at least three months prior were selected through purposive sampling. For data collection, 20 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Data analysis followed the Graneheim and Lundman approach. The rigor of the study was ensured using Guba and Lincoln’s criteria.

Findings: The findings revealed that the main theme of post-discharge life experience was characterized as “pleasant freedom with suffering wounds,” encompassing three categories: “freedom from captivity of alienation and despair,” “dubious pleasure,” and “integration of real and imagined disability and helplessness.”

Conclusions: The initial perception of post-discharge life among trauma patients who recovered from coma is profoundly shaped by the unpleasant experiences endured during ICU hospitalization. The sufferings experienced at home reflect a combination of real complications and imagined concerns arising from the severity of trauma, often accompanied by a false sense of disability and helplessness. These findings underscore the necessity of softening the ICU environment, implementing comprehensive discharge preparation, and providing effective post-discharge follow-up that addresses not only actual physical and psychological problems but also perceived or imagined sufferings.

One-year follow-up of patients with hearing impairment following traumatic brain injury

Reza Fatahian — 2026-05-18

Background: Hearing impairment is a potential consequence of brain trauma and may present as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical study included patients who sustained brain trauma between 2018 and 2019 and reported hearing difficulties. All participants were examined by an ENT specialist, and audiometric evaluations were conducted immediately after trauma and again one year later. Based on the inclusion criteria, all patients referred to Ayatollah Taleghani medical centers were enrolled, resulting in a sample of 70 cases. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with chi-square tests applied at a significance level of p = 0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 33 ± 18 years, with males comprising 84% of the sample. A significant correlation was observed between initial and one-year follow-up audiometric findings. Among patients with temporal bone fractures, 60% exhibited sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

Conclusion: Sensorineural hearing loss was identified as the most prevalent disorder, particularly associated with moderate trauma (GCS scores 9–12). Temporal bone fractures, primarily resulting from accidents, were the most common type of brain injury, with 48.5% of cases showing right-sided involvement.

Psychosocial support for survivors of violence against women: a qualitative study on provider and user perspectives in a Ugandan health facility

Ruth Obaikol — 2025-12-28

Background: Violence Against Women (VAW) impacts 1 in 3 women worldwide, making it a significant public health problem. Most survivors will seek some form of care at healthcare facilities, often making hospitals a critical point of intervention. Psychosocial support plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of survivors, helping them navigate the physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of violence. This study sought to assess the experiences of both Healthcare Workers (HCWs) and users of facility-based psychosocial care at a private, not-for-profit hospital in Uganda.

Methods: A qualitative design using in-depth interviews was employed to explore experiences and perspectives of eight survivors and nine healthcare workers at a private not-for-profit hospital in Uganda in 2023.

Results: The psychosocial services included screening, medical treatment, mental health support, referrals, and follow-up care. Key challenges identified were: limited Healthcare worker capacity to provide psychosocial care, inadequate infrastructure to provide safe spaces for care; high loss to follow up rate; and poorly formed networks with other service providers. While survivors appreciated care, findings emphasized the need for enhanced staff training, more tailored support for survivors and awareness creation for response services at the facilities.

Conclusion: While survivors value psychosocial services, gaps remain in staff capacity, infrastructure, visibility, and follow-up. A client-centered approach that protects privacy, enhances training, and strengthens referral networks can make care more responsive, comprehensive, and sustainable for women affected by violence