Psychological Impacts of Retained Bullets From the Perspective of Survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Despite a high prevalence of retained bullet fragments (RBFs) after firearm related injury (FRI) there is limited data on the full spectrum of their consequences, particularly the psychological impacts on those injured. Further, the experiences of FRI survivors with RBFs are missing from existing literature. The objective of this study was to explore the psychological impacts of RBFs on individuals who have experienced recent FRI. METHODS: Adult (18-65 years) survivors of FRI with radiographically confirmed RBFs were purposively selected from an urban Level 1 trauma center in Atlanta, Georgia, to participate in an in-depth interview. Interviews were conducted between March 2019 and February 2020. Thematic analysis was used to identify a range of psychological effects from RBFs. RESULTS: Interviews from 24 FRI survivors were analyzed: the majority of participants were Black males (N = 22, 92%) with a mean age of 32 years whose FRI occurred ∼8.6 months prior to data collection. The psychological effects of RBFs were grouped into four categories: physical health (eg, pain, limited mobility), emotional well-being (eg, anger, fear), social isolation, and occupational welfare (eg, disability leading to inability to work). A range of coping mechanisms were also identified. CONCLUSION: Survivors of FRI with RBFs experience a range of psychological impacts that are far-reaching and affect daily activities, mobility, pain and emotional wellbeing. Study results indicate a need for enhanced resources to support those with RBFs. Further, changes to clinical protocols are warranted on removal of RBFs and communication about the effects of leaving RBFs in situ.

The circumstances and contributions of older persons in three Asian countries: preliminary results of a cross-national study.

"This article examines some of the findings from surveys carried out in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand as part of a cross-national study of ageing sponsored by the World Health Organization. It finds that the majority of elderly in these countries live in households with their children and in many cases also with their grandchildren. The elderly also contribute significantly to household activities. In the future, the special needs of very old women will have to be addressed as it will be difficult for their children to meet those needs without assistance."