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.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
So et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: