Homeless women's perceptions of their situation.

While a plethora of data describes homeless women's demographic characteristics and health status, a paucity of data exists on homeless women's perceptions of their housing situation. This exploratory-descriptive study of 70 shelter-residing women expands knowledge of homeless women. Content analysis of focus groups revealed that homelessness meant loss of autonomy-marginal control over their lives and uncertainly about their own and their children's future. Loss of autonomy was manifested as mental strain: feeling depressed, worried, and scared. They were especially concerned about the impact of shelter-living on their children. Shelter-living was not viewed as child-friendly.