Identifying the factors and causes of homelessness tendency: a qualitative study in Tehran
8 affiliations
- 1Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
- 2Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences
- 3Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
- 4Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences
- 5Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Community and Family Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences
- 6Social Welfare Management Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
- 7Department of Social Work, The University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences
- 8Department of Public Health, La Trobe University
Abstract
Homelessness is a major social challenge worldwide, with negative consequences for health and social welfare. This qualitative study, using conventional content analysis, aimed to identify factors contributing to homelessness in Tehran, Iran, in 2023. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in neighborhoods and shelters. Participants were purposefully selected to ensure maximum diversity. The data were analyzed using the Granheim and Lundman method. The factors and reasons for the tendency towards homelessness can be classified into two levels: individual and social-environmental level. The subcategories at the individual level included: drug addiction, negative childhood experiences, and behavioral/psychological problems. Social‑environmental subcategories included social and communication issues, family conflicts and violence, and unsafe living environments. Homelessness has multiple causes at both micro and macro levels. Reducing its burden requires policymakers and social planners to address both individual and social factors through intersectional cooperation and targeted planning.
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BibTeX
@article{ahmadi2026identifying,
title = {{Identifying the factors and causes of homelessness tendency: a qualitative study in Tehran}},
author = {Sina Ahmadi and Neda SoleimanvandiAzar and Salah Eddin Karimi and Elham Sepahvand and Zahra Rampisheh and Marzieh Nojomi and Seyed Hossein Mohaqeqi Kamal and Ayoub Eslamian and Peter Higgs},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-63042-9},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63042-9},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Identifying the factors and causes of homelessness tendency: a qualitative study in Tehran
AU - Sina Ahmadi
AU - Neda SoleimanvandiAzar
AU - Salah Eddin Karimi
AU - Elham Sepahvand
AU - Zahra Rampisheh
AU - Marzieh Nojomi
AU - Seyed Hossein Mohaqeqi Kamal
AU - Ayoub Eslamian
AU - Peter Higgs
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-63042-9
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-63042-9
AB - Homelessness is a major social challenge worldwide, with negative consequences for health and social welfare. This qualitative study, using conventional content analysis, aimed to identify factors contributing to homelessness in Tehran, Iran, in 2023. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in neighborhoods and shelters. Participants were purposefully selected to ensure maximum diversity. The data were analyzed using the Granheim and Lundman method. The factors and reasons for the tendency towards homelessness can be classified into two levels: individual and social-environmental level. The subcategories at the individual level included: drug addiction, negative childhood experiences, and behavioral/psychological problems. Social‑environmental subcategories included social and communication issues, family conflicts and violence, and unsafe living environments. Homelessness has multiple causes at both micro and macro levels. Reducing its burden requires policymakers and social planners to address both individual and social factors through intersectional cooperation and targeted planning.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -