Lived Experiences of Spouses of Veterans with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Phenomenological Study of Healthy Lifestyle Challenges in Iran

Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of spouses of veterans with neuropsychiatric disorders regarding challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Methods and Materials: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, during 2025–2026. Twenty spouses of veterans with neuropsychiatric disorders were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data saturation was reached after 16 interviews, followed by four additional interviews to confirm thematic adequacy. Interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method. Trustworthiness was enhanced through participant validation and expert review of the analytical findings.

Findings: Analysis yielded 197 meaningful expressions, 33 subcategories, and six main categories: responsibility for maintaining personal health, healthy interpersonal and social relationships, attention to mental health, physical activity, healthy nutrition, and self-actualization. Participants described difficulties in prioritizing self-care, maintaining supportive relationships, managing persistent stress, engaging in regular physical activity, sustaining nutritious dietary practices, and pursuing personal development. Caregiving responsibilities, family conflict, social stigma, limited support networks, and financial hardship emerged as recurring contextual challenges. Several participants described emotional exhaustion, reduced social participation, and limited opportunities for personal growth.

Conclusion: Spouses of veterans with neuropsychiatric disorders experienced interconnected psychological, social, and lifestyle challenges. Family-centered psychosocial support, accessible self-care education, and community-based assistance may help address their reported needs.