Mothers of children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), experience significant caregiving burdens that can compromise their physical, psychological, and social well-being. While the negative impacts of caregiving are well-documented, the lived experiences of self-care among these mothers remain fragmented and underexplored across cultural contexts. This qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis aimed to systematically identify, appraise, and synthesize the qualitative evidence on the lived experiences of self-care among mothers of neurodivergent children, focusing on motivations, barriers, strategies, and perceived impacts. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO from inception to May 2026. Qualitative studies exploring mothers’ self-care experiences were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, assessed methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist, and extracted data. Thematic synthesis (Thomas Harden, 2008) was employed to generate analytical themes. The review was reported according to PRISMA 2020 and ENTREQ guidelines. Of 1,847 records identified, 7 studies from six countries met the inclusion criteria. One overarching theme and five analytical themes emerged: (1) Intense Caregiving Burden and Progressive Depletion; (2) Intrinsic and Spiritual Motivations for Self-Care; (3) Multifaceted Barriers to Self-Care; (4) Adaptive Strategies and Practices; and (5) Perceived Impacts and Personal Growth. Self-care was conceptualized as a dynamic journey from depletion toward sustained agency, strongly influenced by cultural and spiritual factors. Self-care for mothers of neurodivergent children is a complex, culturally embedded process essential for both personal well-being and continued caregiving capacity. Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive, strength-based interventions that address barriers and leverage intrinsic motivations. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of tailored self-care support programs.
Endometrioid cystadenomas with mucinous differentiation are uncommon benign ovarian lesions that can preoperatively mimic ovarian malignancies. We describe a case of a giant lesion in a premenopausal patient to highlight the diagnostic and pathological evaluation required to distinguish them from true malignancies. We report a 55-year-old premenopausal woman presenting with progressive abdominal distension caused by a giant cystic pelvic mass. Imaging revealed a 32 ⨯ 24 ⨯ 34 cm multiloculated cystic lesion without solid components. Laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy was successfully performed using a controlled cyst decompression technique, aspirating approximately 12 L of fluid without intraperitoneal spillage. Histopathology confirmed an endometrioid cystadenoma with mucinous differentiation. The patient had an uneventful recovery and remained recurrence-free during follow-up. This case demonstrates that even giant adnexal masses can be safely managed via a laparoscopic approach without spillage. Awareness of this rare benign variant is essential for accurate histopathological correlation, helping clinicians avoid overdiagnosis and unnecessary radical overtreatment.
Student mothers combine university study with childcare, household responsibilities, employment, and financial pressures. These overlapping demands may affect emotional well-being, academic participation, and retention, yet evidence from Somalia remains limited. This study explored student mothers’ experiences of combining childcare and higher education in Mogadishu, including the strategies and support that sustained participation and the changes they considered necessary. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in February 2026 among 11 purposively selected adult student mothers enrolled at two universities in Mogadishu. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by meaning units in MAXQDA. Somali-language segments were analyzed in the original language by the bilingual first author, and only anonymized quotations selected for reporting were translated into English. Themes were generated inductively and interpreted using role conflict theory and an institutional support perspective. Sociodemographic characteristics were summarized descriptively. Participants had a median age of 26 years. Four themes were developed: living simultaneous roles, which captured emotional strain, fatigue, participant-reported worry about children, and educational motivation; making participation possible through caregiving knowledge and experience, planning, and informal support; fragile educational continuity created by child illness, time poverty, financial pressure, and uneven caregiver availability; and moving from private coping toward shared responsibility. Participation depended largely on mothers, sisters, husbands, relatives, and peers, whereas participants described formal university support as limited and inconsistent. Participants’ accounts suggest that student motherhood in Mogadishu is sustained by substantial invisible care work and informal family support. Universities cannot remove the continuous demands of caregiving, but flexible learning, transparent examination accommodation, and feasible childcare support could reduce avoidable academic disruption. Wider responses should also recognize the gendered social organization of unpaid care and its implications for women’s well-being and educational equity.
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition of unknown cause that severely impacts patients’ quality of life and mental health. Current treatments show limited effectiveness, highlighting the need for alternative approaches. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), an emerging therapy aimed at restoring gut microbiota balance, has demonstrated efficacy in various conditions and has been preliminarily applied to interstitial cystitis. Research indicates gut dysbiosis in interstitial cystitis patients, suggesting a gut-bladder axis involvement. However, its clinical efficacy in IC/BPS remains uncertain, and patients’ experiences during hospitalization for FMT remain underexplored. This study aims to explore the hospitalization experiences of patients with interstitial cystitis undergoing their first fecal microbiota transplantation, providing insights for improving clinical care and support. A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study was conducted. The study was conducted between May and August 2024 at a tertiary hospital in eastern China. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 15 patients with interstitial cystitis who had undergone their first fecal microbiota transplantation at the hospital’s Microecology Therapy Center. These patients participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Three main themes and eight sub-themes were identified. (1) Concerns and doubts, included the following subthemes: “Concerns about FMT treatment,” “Hospitalization costs,” and “Lack of support”; (2) Confusion and uncertainty, comprised subthemes such as “Lifestyle management,” and “Lack of information”; (3) Trust and acceptance, encompassed subthemes like “Expectations and acceptance of new treatment,” “Healthcare team services,” and “Treatment experience and initial outcomes.” This study identified three major aspects of the hospitalization experiences of patients with interstitial cystitis undergoing their first fecal microbiota transplantation. Initially, patients were concerned about the treatment, its cost, and lack of support. During treatment, they felt confused about managing daily routines and lacked sufficient treatment information. As treatment progressed, they gradually developed trust in the procedure and medical staff. The study was reported following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research Checklist. This qualitative study was conducted within a clinical trial registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100048970) on July 19, 2021.
Cervicovaginal adhesion with obstructive hematocolpos is an uncommon late complication after pelvic radiotherapy for rectal cancer. In young women with severely diminished ovarian reserve, apparent endometrial thickening on ultrasound is traditionally attributed to estrogen, but this explanation is less convincing in the setting of profound estrogen suppression. In this case, the 19 mm measurement likely reflected retained intracavitary blood (pseudothickening) rather than true proliferative endometrium, as histopathology confirmed only coagulated blood and necrotic debris. A 36-year-old woman, treated with pelvic radiotherapy and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist for rectal cancer in 2024, presented in July 2025 with acute lower abdominal pain. Gynecological examination revealed dense adhesions approximately 2 cm above the hymen, with the cervix not visible. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a 72 × 42 × 50 mm mixed-echo mass and apparent endometrial thickening of 19 mm. The 19-mm measurement likely reflected retained blood and clots within the obstructed cavity rather than true endometrial proliferation. Serum estradiol was < 15 pg/mL and follicle-stimulating hormone was 13.32 IU/L. Multidisciplinary surgical exploration included adhesiolysis, evacuation of retained blood, cervical canal recanalization, hysteroscopy, and curettage. Postoperative immunohistochemistry (PAX-8-positive, CK7-positive; CK20-negative, CDX2-negative) was consistent with endometrial origin; definitive exclusion of metastasis was limited by fragmented specimen. A silicone vaginal mold was placed postoperatively as an individualized measure, with gradual tapering over 10 months. Menstruation resumed one month after surgery, with resolution of dysmenorrhea. Endometrial thickness decreased to 5 mm within 1.5 months and stabilized at 4 mm at 11 months. At 12-month follow-up, estradiol had risen to 44.67 pg/mL, but anti-Müllerian hormone was only 0.17 ng/mL, indicating severely diminished ovarian reserve despite partial endocrine recovery. Apparent endometrial thickening in radiotherapy survivors may reflect retained intracavitary blood (pseudothickening) rather than true endometrial proliferation. Cervicovaginal obstruction should be considered in young female cancer survivors with pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. Individualized vaginal mold therapy may help maintain genital tract patency, but optimal duration and patient selection require further study.
