Life experience of pregnancy among Iranian homeless women

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse homeless women’s life experiences during pregnancy in shelters, drop-in centres and outreach services in Iran. In this qualitative study, thematic analysis was used to explore the experiences of 13 homeless women. The results showed that all participants were substance abusers, most commonly with methamphetamine. Consistent themes emerged from the data: (a) women’s understanding, feelings and actions regarding unplanned pregnancy, (b) violence in public places, (c) social rejection, (d) maintaining femininity through maternal roles within hegemonic masculinity, (e) social exclusion, and (f) addiction as an aggravation of homelessness. In conclusion, we encourage social welfare policy and policy makers to focus on street outreach.