While some research exists on women who have survived attempted intimate partner homicide (IPH), studies focusing on survivors aged 60 and older and how they cope with health concerns remain scarce. Guided by intersectionality as a theoretical framework, this study examined older women's experiences of managing their health in the aftermath of surviving a violent attack by a male partner, considering how intersecting identities such as age, gender, and survivorship shape their health-related challenges. The insights gained could inform targeted interventions and policies to address this population's unique vulnerabilities and care needs. Interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology was used to conduct in-depth, semi-structured interviews with nine older women who had survived an attempted IPH. A purposeful sampling strategy was employed to identify women who had been legally or medically classified as survivors of attempted intimate partner homicide and self-identified as such. The interviews, guided by an interview guide, were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to elicit the main themes. Three themes emerged from the participants' narratives: (1) The ripple effect of the injury, (2) Reduced access to formal and informal health-related support systems, and (3) Limited financial resources for recovery needs. The interplay of chronic health conditions, minimal support networks, and financial constraints highlights how advancing age, traumatic histories, and systemic healthcare gaps are mutually exacerbating. These findings underscore the value of integrated, age-conscious, and trauma-informed services and theoretical frameworks that address the complete spectrum of older survivors' healthcare needs.

This study explored the experiences of pregnant women in Mawadza rural community, Mutasa District, Zimbabwe, regarding the use and non-use of a waiting mothers' shelter during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period. Guided by the Second Delay in Thaddeus and Maine's Three Delays Model, it examines how spatial, infrastructural, and socio-economic barriers influenced women's ability to reach maternal health facilities in time. The Second Delay highlights obstacles between deciding to seek care and arriving at a facility, including transport availability, distance, affordability, and social responsibilities that constrain mobility. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen women who had used the waiting mothers' shelter at Bonda Mission Hospital since 2015 and thirteen key informants. Findings showed that while the shelter offered skilled birth attendance, antenatal education, and postnatal monitoring, utilisation remains low and inconsistent. Barriers included indirect costs, household labour demands, and stigma, particularly for HIV-positive women. Enabling factors include peer support, trust in biomedical care, and engagement of religious institutions. The study concludes that shelter use was influencedby structural, cultural, and economic factors, including gender power dynamics, and offers insights into policies aligned with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), the Maputo Protocol on Health and Reproductive Rights, and SDGs 3 and 5 to improve maternal health access.

Since April 2023, the conflict in Sudan has profoundly impacted the healthcare system, particularly maternal health services. This study examines women's experiences accessing and receiving intrapartum care at healthcare facilities during the conflict's acute phase in Khartoum, highlighting the challenges they faced and the adjustments they made to obtain care. This qualitative study employed remote semi-structured interviews with nine women who gave birth in Khartoum between April and October 2023. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The authors used thematic analysis to analyse the data. The findings indicated an unprecedented, rapid decline in maternal health services in Khartoum, with conditions deteriorating as the conflict escalated. Major challenges included widespread facility closures, significant shortages of medical supplies and healthcare professionals, compromised security, and violations of respectful care practices. Women who delivered later in the conflict encountered greater difficulties compared to those who gave birth in the earlier stages. Despite the severe disruption of woman-centred care, women exhibited immense resilience through self-advocacy and exploring alternative options. Community-based midwifery care emerged as a viable model, presenting potential avenues for keeping access to maternal health services during a crisis. This study underscores the urgent need to bolster the resilience of maternal health services in conflict zones. Recommendations include developing robust emergency preparedness plans, creating sustainable supply chains, supporting healthcare providers, and exploring innovative service delivery models like mHealth solutions and community-based care. These findings offer valuable insights for humanitarian responses and the strengthening of health systems in conflict-affected regions.

ABSTRACT Understanding the lived experiences of women involved in sex work remains a vital area of inquiry. Sex work is an a historically elusive topic, currently embedded within society’s post-Pandemic appreciation of collective trauma and the ways in which it can evolve throughout one’s life course. The current study utilizes original, in-depth interviews with 22 sex workers in northeastern state, to excavate original, qualitative data that unearth the traumatic experiences of women who have engaged in professional sex work at some point in their life course. This original study is organized around the broad research question, “What are the lived experiences and experiences of trauma of female sex workers navigating community health services?” Findings contribute to an active, evolving conversation about trauma and the need to re-conceptualize how society frames this population in the realm of policy, practice, and developmental science. Female street-based sex workers are autonomous, resilient women who are may be navigating complex trauma histories and systems that have never protected them.

To synthesise qualitative studies on perinatal women's mental health screening preferences to guide the timely creation of interventions and the delivery of individualised screening by healthcare professionals. A meta-synthesis of Chinese and English datasets was conducted till 30 November 2024. The methodological quality was assessed using the JBI criteria. Through meta-synthesis of the 13 included publications, we identified four key integrative findings: (1) mental health screening experiences, (2) preferences for screening implementation, (3) barriers to effective screening, and (4) proposed strategies for optimisation. These findings were further categorised into 11 distinct thematic groups. This study synthesises perinatal women's preferences, experiences, and barriers regarding mental health screening, highlighting the need for diversified screening modalities and address multi-level obstacles. Future efforts should focus on developing evidence-based and personalised screening strategies to enhance screening uptake and effectiveness.

In Nairobi, Kenya, women living in Mukuru, an informal settlement along Nairobi's Ngong River, bear the brunt of severe annual flooding intensified by climate change. In June of 2025, The Kenyan government demolished over 20,000 homes near the Ngong River following the May 2024 floods. No resettlement plans were offered, leaving thousands—primarily women and children—homeless and exposed. The study explores the experiences of twice-displaced women, who face compounded vulnerabilities as both slum residents and victims of state-led demolitions. The PI collected qualitative data through a focus group of 20 women who were asked 10 semi-structured interview questions addressing livelihoods, safety, access to food and water, period poverty, and governance. Results reveal that women shoulder disproportionate burdens of environmental and social crises. On top of the existing job insecurity in informal settlements, women experience heightened sexual exploitation, loss of identity documents, and exposure to disease, while navigating exclusion from political decision-making as they make efforts to rebuild their home. Research findings show that these women are resilient, despite repeated setbacks. The women call for government fairness, mentorship, and collective organization. Their voices illuminate the need for broader discussions on gender, climate justice, and urban and poverty, particularly highlighting the urgent need for more attention to development in informal settlements. The findings reinforce that women in informal settlements are potential leaders in creating equitable and sustainable recovery systems.

ABSTRACT This study is based on the principles and guidelines for the protection of the human rights of migrants in vulnerable situations established by the OHCHR in 2018. This study aims to explore the experiences of migrant women in La Rioja (Spain) and to analyse how Social Work interventions respond to their needs in accordance with international human rights principles. It also seeks to identify the praxis carried out by Social Work in the intervention with migrant women in the Autonomous Community of La Rioja (Spain). The information was obtained from qualitative research, through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Among the main conclusions, it is worth highlighting the need to advance in diversity management approaches, which broaden knowledge and provide tools for intervention from Social Work, bearing in mind the superdiversity existing in today’s societies, as well as the international framework for the protection of human rights.

The main goal of women who undergo fertility treatments after a long period of time in which they were unable to conceive naturally, is to fulfill their dream of pregnancy and motherhood. When a medical problem is discovered during pregnancy that can endanger the life of the woman and/or the life of the fetus, the women are faced with a paradoxical decision - whether to terminate the pregnancy proactively or to continue it, despite the risks. The purpose of the current study is to examine the emotional experience of women who have undergone both procedures - in vitro fertilization (IVF) and induced termination of pregnancy (TOP) due to a health problem, as this experience has not received sufficient expression in the literature in recent years. Twelve Israeli women who underwent IVF treatments, became pregnant, then underwent an induced TOP due to a health problem, were interviewed. The research data was collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed according to "grounded theory". Findings indicate that pregnancy loss in the context of IVF treatments is a cyclical, procedural, ongoing emotional and medical experience that involves dealing with loss and grief at each stage. These findings emphasize the need for in-depth consideration of this issue, in both the research and therapeutic fields, to create and establish professional knowledge, coping tools and a sufficient support network.

Purpose:The purpose of this study is to describe the experiences of women with symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders who recently gave birth and participated in a virtual peer support specialist program for maternal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.Study Design and Methods:A qualitative descriptive design was used to describe the experiences of six women with symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders who participated in a peer support specialist program. Participants were recruited from online Indiana-based Facebook parenting groups targeted to women with young children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using a basic inductive content analysis.Results:We identified three main themes: 1) Seeking help for mental health symptoms, 2) Receiving unbiased peer support, and 3) Improving mental health symptoms.Clinical Implications:Implications for nursing practice include developing strategies to increase peer networks for women in the perinatal period, increasing the screening of women for symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders, and conducting more research on the efficacy of a peer support specialist programs for improving maternal mental health.

Due to being short, a series of persistent misconceptions, such as being incapable of sexual activity, unsuitable for reproduction, and having a high chance of genetically transmitting dwarfism to offspring, predominantly exist over women with dwarfism. Such distorted dispositions had kept these women either from becoming pregnant or in a state of confusion to bear a child. In addition to being categorized as high-risk women, it is significant to understand their journey from their perspective to bring out more sensible and grounded means in approaching pregnancy. The present study aims to understand the perceived meanings that women with dwarfism ascribe to their journey of pregnancy. This qualitative investigation used a hermeneutical phenomenological research design. Seven women with dwarfism were recruited through purposive sampling, and face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide. The data collected were then transcribed and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-stage thematic analysis approach. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Ambiguity at the preconception phase, (2) Fear associated with childbirth, (3) Pregnancy-related complications, and (4) Psychosocial challenges during pregnancy. Uncertainty around their ability to reproduce, anxiety over the child inheriting dwarfism, and apprehensions about the caregiving burden were the key findings. They longed for supportive care to manage their overall health during the journey of pregnancy. In the journey to motherhood, women with dwarfism suffer from pre-conception planning, fear associated with childbirth, pregnancy-related complications, and psychosocial challenges during pregnancy. The findings highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on understanding the expectations of women with dwarfism during pregnancy, including support from family, peers, and health practitioners. Engagement with advocacy groups would maximize the chance of meeting women with similar experiences and learning from them the best possible ways to traverse pregnancy gracefully.

Background/Aims Obstetric anal sphincter injuries have serious and occasionally lifelong impacts on women's physical and mental health. In the UK, the incidence of these injuries appears to be rising. While there is a significant body of literature on interventions aimed at reducing such injuries, little is known about how women perceive these interventions. The aim of this review was to investigate women's experiences of intrapartum perineal care and how midwifery care can optimise women's birth experience in this respect. Methods This extended literature review searched CINAHL, Medline and Pubmed for studies conducted between 2013 and 2023, with no restrictions on type or region. The data were described narratively, organised into different interventions used. Results A total of 12 articles were included. Episiotomy and obstetric care bundles dominated the literature. Most studies used quantitative methods to investigate women's perceptions, limiting the depth of understanding. Elements of the obstetric anal sphincter injury bundle were not acceptable to many women and may have caused some women long-term emotional and physical pain. Conclusions Further research is needed to determine how midwifery care can optimise women's birth experience with regard to perineal care. Implications for practice Maternity staff must consider the impact of intrapartum perineal care interventions on women's birth experiences.

Background/Aims Women with borderline personality disorder are a vulnerable group. This critical review aimed to understand the experiences of mothers with borderline personality disorder in the perinatal period. Methods CINAHL, PubMed, APAPsych and the Psychology and Behavioural Sciences collection were searched for primary research studies or systematic reviews. These articles were critically appraised and analysed narratively. Results Maternal borderline personality disorder has links to poor neonatal and obstetric outcomes and can impact mother–infant attachment. Women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder experienced stigma and judgement, both from healthcare professionals and the wider community. Some reported positive perceptions of dialectical behaviour therapy interventions, but these did not seem to affect symptoms of the disorder or mother–infant attachment. Conclusions The mechanism by which maternal borderline personality disorder affects poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes remains unclear. The parenting behaviours of mothers with borderline personality disorder and negative experiences of care may contribute to poorer outcomes. Implications for practice For some mothers with borderline personality disorder, group-based dialectical behaviour therapy appeared to offer benefit. However, there is limited research exploring the experiences of these mothers during the perinatal period.

Tribal women serve as the backbone of the socio-economic and cultural fabric of indigenous communities in India. Their contributions to agriculture, forest-based livelihoods, domestic maintenance, and community well-being are unparalleled. Yet, despite their extensive involvement in subsistence activities, their voices remain less documented, and their socio-economic struggles often remain unaddressed. This study explores the multidimensional roles, challenges, and lived experiences of tribal women in Valagiri, Shenbaganur, Perumalmalai, Poomparai, and Mannavanur of the Kodaikanal region. Using an interview schedule and convenience sampling method, primary data were collected from 349 respondents. Percentage analysis was adopted to interpret the findings. Results show that tribal women face a disproportionate workload, combining wage labour, agricultural tasks, and complete responsibility for household and childcare duties. Limited access to education, healthcare, financial independence, and decision-making opportunities restricts their socio-economic mobility. However, their influence in sustaining households and community systems remains substantial. The study emphasizes the need for policy interventions that strengthen their livelihood skills, improve health and education outcomes, and promote equitable participation in community development. Empowering tribal women is crucial not only for gender equality but also for the sustainable development of tribal communities.

ObjectiveEvidence suggests that cleft lip and/or palate can have significant psychosocial impacts on adults' lives beyond the end of the standard treatment pathway. Although some studies indicate gender differences, no research has specifically explored the experiences of women with cleft. This study aimed to explore the stories told by women about their adult experiences of cleft, for discussion informed by intersectionality theory.DesignParticipants were interviewed using a narrative, photo elicitation approach. Each participant brought photos they felt represented their story to an unstructured interview, which was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were subject to narrative analysis.SettingInterviews took place on Microsoft Teams video call, with photos shared on-screen throughout, and lasted an average of 94 min.ParticipantsFourteen women born with cleft aged 20 to 72 living in the United States or United Kingdom took part.ResultsSix overarching discourses were identified and presented alongside 14 individual narrative synopses, depicting converging stories told by each participant throughout their interview. These were (1) enduring, (2) hiding, (3) striving, (4) healing, (5) reclaiming, and (6) reconciling.ConclusionsViewing cleft through an intersectional lens offers important insights into the lived and living experiences of adults navigating treatment and the ongoing psychosocial impact of cleft. The findings suggest that expectations and pressures placed on women by society are compounded by, rather than exist in parallel with, the ongoing impact of cleft.

This study examines the role of perceived low cultural distance in the acculturation process of Ukrainian women (aged 22–31) who voluntarily migrated to Poland prior to 2019. Through qualitative analysis of 17 in-depth interviews, we explored how perceived cultural similarity between Poland and Ukraine is associated with the experiences of these migrants. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we found that while a perceived low cultural distance is associated with a sense of familiarity that may ease certain aspects of acculturation, it does not fully mitigate sociocultural challenges and acculturative stress these women experience. A notable and novel finding is the identification of the phenomenon we propose to call the “Minimization trap,” a theme suggesting that cultural and linguistic differences may be downplayed, potentially complicating sociocultural adaptation and psychological adjustment. Despite perceived similarity, significant cultural differences were reported, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as intercultural training and language acquisition support. Our findings stress the importance of culturally sensitive policies that recognize both the opportunities and challenges associated with low cultural distance in the acculturation process.

Women's opinions and experiences of genital aesthetic surgery: A systematic review and meta-synthesis study.

Expecting a child conceived by medically assisted reproduction in the context of infertility: A qualitative case study of the experience of pregnant women and their partners.

Experiences of pregnancy and reproductive health for women living with epilepsy: A systematic review.

Poor quality obstetric care can harm women's mental health, especially after childbirth. This study examines how the perceived quality of health services during childbirth is related to postpartum depression in Ecuador. Using data from 16,451 women in the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey, we applied probit and latent class probit models. We find that higher perceived quality of care during childbirth decreases the likelihood of postpartum depression, with stronger effects in intense and long-lasting cases. The results of the instrumental variables model show that, in the most representative class, comprising 68.15% of the sample, a one-point increase in perceived quality reduces the probability of postpartum depression by 9.1% (CI95% : -15.2%, -3.0%). This group includes mainly indigenous women, mothers of multiple children, and users of the public health system. These results underscore the urgency of integrating mental health support into maternal care and strengthening policies that improve women's experiences during childbirth in public health facilities.

"Hiding symptoms and balancing work, family and relationships": Australian women discuss menopause and the midlife collision.