Homelessness in pregnancy: life course factors and mental health in the context of COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Homelessness during pregnancy is a significant public health issue in the US that increases the risk of adverse maternal and infant mental and physical health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these risks through disruptions in health and social services, employment, and housing stability. Our study aimed to explore how early and cumulative adverse life experiences, mental health challenges, and the pandemic shaped the experience of homelessness during pregnancy.

Methods

We used ​an action-oriented approach for this qualitative exploratory study. We conducted 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews in 2022 among a sample of pregnant, postpartum, and parenting people in Washington DC who experienced homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted

SUBMITTER: Jeffers NK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12785181 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature