Explaining the problems faced by Iranian housewives during the COVID-19 quarantine period, and their adaption strategies: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Housewives have several problems during the quarantine phase; so, the current study was designed to describe the challenges faced by Iranian housewives during the quarantine period in relation to COVID-19 and compatibility measures for it. Methods: The current research employed a qualitative methodology and a traditional content analysis method on 34 quarantined women in Tehran. Purposive sampling and snowballing were used to find participants, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. The Guba and Lincoln criteria were also employed to assess the quality of the study findings. Results: After analyzing the data, 4 main categories and 18 subcategories were extracted, including (1) individual problems (personal health problems, life with fear and anxiety, low mental health, lifestyle imbalance, Internet addiction); (2) family problems (violence and conflict in the family, tension in managing family members, disruption of the educational and economic situation of family members, intensification of domestic tasks and roles); (3) social problems (social isolation, disregard for social customs, restricted access to cyberspace); and (4) compatibility strategies (spirituality, strengthening family relationships, division of tasks between family members, optimal use of leisure, positive use of cyberspace, development of individual skills). Conclusion: Their problems can be ameliorated by providing contraception to housewives, improving their mental health and reducing their worries and fears, modeling a healthy lifestyle during quarantine, offering solutions that reduce violent behavior and manage family conflict, and expanding their access to virtual communications.