Feasibility and acceptability of a shelter-based health empowerment program for pregnant and parenting youth experiencing homelessness

Abstract

Parenthood is common among youth experiencing homelessness (YEH), with multi-generational implications for health. Research on how to improve health among this historically marginalized population is limited. Our community-university partnership assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a shelter-based health empowerment program, which aimed to improve health among YEH and their children and prevent unplanned pregnancies. Drawing on frameworks from implementation science, we conducted semi-structured interviews with program participants ( n = 11). We then conducted thematic analysis, using three interviews with program staff to triangulate. All youth participants were female, ages 15-20 years, and pregnant and/or parenting children ages 0-3. Youth suggested additional content areas and modifications to program structure and design; we responsively adapted the program in real-time. Our findings suggest that shelter-based programming may be a feasible and acceptable approach towards promoting health and well-being among young parents and their children living in shelter, and highlight potential elements needed for successful implementation.