Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background the aim of the study is to examine the effects post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Bosnian war veterans has on their wives. How have the lives and the health of the wives changed as a result of husband’s disease. The aim of the study is to understand how the changes in life due to the PTSD affect the women, and how the women cope with these changes in marriage and everyday life. Method The study is conducted with a qualitative design. 10 women were interviewed using a semi structured interview guide, on topics regarding marriage, family, work, social network, economy, health. Results All women except one report to have negative health effects due to the changes in everyday life and in marriage. The things worst to cope with are the husband’s aggressiveness, feeling of loss of unity between the spouses and loss of social network. Conclusions women contribute the reason for their health problems to a much greater extend to their husband’s disease then to the war itself.