Explaining the experiences and problems of Iranian housewives duringthe quarantine period related to COVID-19 and their adaptation strategiesfor it: A qualitative study

Introduction: Housewives confront many problems during the quarantine period, so thepresent study was conducted to explain the experiences and problems of Iranian housewivesduring the quarantine period related to COVID-19 and compatibility strategies for it.Method: The present study was performed with a qualitative approach and conventionalcontent analysis method among 34 housewives in Tehran who were in quarantine. Participantswere accessed through purposeful sampling and snowballing, and data were collected throughsemi-structured interviews. Guba and Lincoln criteria were also used to evaluate the quality ofthe research results.Results: After analyzing the data, 4 main categories and 18 sub-categories were achievedincluding (1) individual problems (personal health problems, life with fear and anxiety, lowmental health, lifestyle imbalance, Internet addiction), (2) family problems (violence andconflict in the family, tension in managing family members, disruption of the educational andeconomic situation of family members, intensification of domestic tasks and roles), (3) socialproblems ( social isolation, disregard for social customs, restricted access to cyberspace), (4)compatibility strategies (spiritualism, strengthening family relationships, division of tasksbetween family members, optimal use of leisure, positive use of cyberspace, development ofindividual skills).Conclusion: Their problems can be reduced by distributing contraceptives among housewives,raising mental health, and reducing their worries and fears, providing a good model of healthylifestyle during quarantine, providing solutions to reduce violence and manage tension in thefamily, and increasing their access to virtual communications.