Socioecological factors influencing maternal and child nutrition: An exploratory qualitative study in semi-urban...

To explore the multilevel factors (barriers and facilitators) influencing maternal and child nutrition (MCN) from community perspectives using the Socioecological Model (SEM) as the guiding framework.

An exploratory qualitative study combining semi-structured online interviews (Microsoft Teams) and photovoice method. Data were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed and analysed inductively using Braun and Clarke's thematic approach, with final themes mapped to the SEM levels.

Two semi-urban communities in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Twenty-five participants (aged 25-75 years), including pregnant and lactating mothers, fathers, grandmothers, community leaders, and health workers, were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling.

Despite basic nutrition awareness, maternal diets were predominantly carbohydrate-based while infant feeding was characterised by delayed breastfeeding initiation, prelacteal feeding, and suboptimal complementary feeding practices. At the interpersonal level, strong familial and community support was evident, however, grandmothers strongly influenced dietary taboos and health-seeking decisions. Organisational barriers, including poor facilities and negative staff attitudes, reduced trust in primary healthcare centres and encouraged reliance on private clinics and traditional providers. Community-level challenges such as poverty, rising food prices, unreliable water supply and poor waste disposal systems increased the risk of malnutrition. Nonetheless, some households demonstrated resilience through home gardening, bulk food purchasing and adequate hygiene practices.

MCN is shaped by interconnected factors. Sustainable progress requires moving beyond individual knowledge transfer towards integrated, system-based actions that strengthen nutrition and health services, improve access to diverse foods, safe water and sanitation, and leverage existing community strengths.