ABSTRACT
This study describes the meaning and practice of holistic
self-care for rehabilitation among Thai Buddhist trauma
patients living in areas of political unrest where acts of
terrorism occur. Eleven Thai Buddhist trauma patients were
selected as specified. The data were collected by in-depth
interviews between November 2011 and April 2012, and
analyzed using the Van Manen method.
Those interviewed described "holistic self-care for
rehabilitation" as learning (1) to acquire a new life and (2) to
bear the increased demands of care as a chronic disease.
Health care responses fell into 3 categories: (1) improving
physical self-sufficiency and rehabilitation by increasing
muscle strength, pain management, and pressure sores;
(2) improving psychological well-being by applying positive
thinking, making an effort to live independently, and
following a set of religious practices; and (3) finding harmony
in life through caution and a willingness to adjust one's
lifestyle. Although the participants seemed to adapt well
to their new lifestyles, extensive support from health care
professionals was necessary. This study promotes better
understanding of the holistic health care experiences the
survivors of trauma have as a result of an unstable political
situation that includes aspects of social unrest and terrorism