Exploring experiences of women becoming homeless during pregnancy v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Homelessness in pregnancy: a study of women's reflections on their experiences of becoming homeless during their pregnancy in the UK.
IRAS ID
246064
Contact name
Laura Abbott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 21 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore the thoughts, feelings and needs of women who experience homelessness during their pregnancy.
Studies have demonstrated that homelessness is an independent risk factor for low birth weight in babies and can lead to poorer mental health and wellbeing in mothers and their children. To date, there is little qualitative research which explores the lived experiences of these women and their needs, with the majority being conducted within the United States. There are currently no national clinical guidelines within the UK which are specific to homeless pregnant women to support care provision. These factors have clear implications when designing, implementing and providing services within the UK and leads to gaps in health professional’s knowledge and skills.
This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach and recruitment will be through purposive sampling of up to 10 women who experienced homelessness within their pregnancy. One in-depth, semi-structured interview will take place within the clinical research department at the hospital. The interview will last between 1-2 hours to be able to explore the impact of homelessness on the women’s lives, eliciting information around their thoughts, feelings and needs during this time.
Although the study will not provide any benefit to its participants it is intended that the results will aid the understanding of the impact of homelessness on expectant mothers, and provide discussion around how services can be effectively and appropriately focussed to support women to improve pregnancy outcomes.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/WM/0162
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion