Mothers' emotional and caregiving experiences during the first month after a child's acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosis: A qualitative study

Objective This study explored mothers' emotional experiences and early caregiving experiences following their children's diagnoses of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods This study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Seventeen mothers of children newly diagnosed with ALL participated in interviews at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Western China within one month of diagnosis. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis following the six-phase approach. Results Three themes were identified: (1) illness uncertainty and related responses; (2) caregiving demands reshaped mothers' everyday lives; (3) support received and unmet caregiving needs. Mothers described uncertainty related to the diagnosis and during hospitalization. Caregiving affected their work and daily lives, and they relied on healthcare professionals and other parents for support. They also needed more specific caregiving guidance and continued support after discharge. Conclusions Early support for mothers of children newly diagnosed with ALL should provide clear, timely, and individualized information, address emotional needs, strengthen guidance for caregiving during hospitalization, and ensure accessible and continued support after discharge.