Experiences of maternal distress and early childhood development amid climate-related stress in Benue state, Nigeria: a qualitative study
8 affiliations
- 1IVAN Research Institute
- 2Department of Sociology/Anthropology, University of Nigeria
- 3Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford
- 4College of Medicine, University of Nigeria
- 5Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester
- 6Division of Medical Education, University of Manchester
- 7Department of General Planning, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Hanoi Medical University
- 8Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
Abstract
Background: Climate-related flooding and extreme heat affect maternal and child wellbeing in low-and middle-income countries. Although evidence suggests that climate-related events can affect mental health and child wellbeing, little is known about how these experiences are described in flood-prone settings. This study explores participants’ accounts of flooding, extreme heat, and household vulnerability in Benue State and their perceived implications for maternal mental health and early childhood development.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected through six focus group discussions and six semi-structured interviews with 54 mothers, health workers, community leaders, and policymakers and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Participants described flooding as a recurrent threat shaped by spatial vulnerability, poor drainage, and inadequate land-use planning. Participants described flooding in relation to disrupted routines, livelihoods, food and water security, and caregiving; mothers and health workers also described extreme heat as disrupting sleep and caregiving. Participants described maternal psychological distress associated with uncertainty, household disruption, economic losses, and caregiving demands. Participants described challenges affecting children’s nutrition, healthcare access, immunisation, learning, safety, and social development. Community coping strategies included collective action and social support, while participants described gaps in formal responses.
Conclusion: The findings highlight interconnected experiences of climate-related disruption, maternal distress, caregiving, and conditions relevant to early childhood wellbeing. Responses could support continuity of health services, nutrition, early learning, safe environments, psychosocial support, and community participation.
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BibTeX
@article{idemiliaronu2026experiences,
title = {{Experiences of maternal distress and early childhood development amid climate-related stress in Benue state, Nigeria: a qualitative study}},
author = {Ngozi Idemili-Aronu and John Jemisenia and Deborah Aluh and Echezona Edozie Ezeanolue and Rathi Ravindrarajah and Amy Blakemore and Zahra Mulla and Tung Le and Asri Maharani and Jahanara Miah},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1940042},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1940042/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Experiences of maternal distress and early childhood development amid climate-related stress in Benue state, Nigeria: a qualitative study
AU - Ngozi Idemili-Aronu
AU - John Jemisenia
AU - Deborah Aluh
AU - Echezona Edozie Ezeanolue
AU - Rathi Ravindrarajah
AU - Amy Blakemore
AU - Zahra Mulla
AU - Tung Le
AU - Asri Maharani
AU - Jahanara Miah
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/28
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1940042
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1940042/full
AB - Background: Climate-related flooding and extreme heat affect maternal and child wellbeing in low-and middle-income countries. Although evidence suggests that climate-related events can affect mental health and child wellbeing, little is known about how these experiences are described in flood-prone settings. This study explores participants’ accounts of flooding, extreme heat, and household vulnerability in Benue State and their perceived implications for maternal mental health and early childhood development. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected through six focus group discussions and six semi-structured interviews with 54 mothers, health workers, community leaders, and policymakers and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants described flooding as a recurrent threat shaped by spatial vulnerability, poor drainage, and inadequate land-use planning. Participants described flooding in relation to disrupted routines, livelihoods, food and water security, and caregiving; mothers and health workers also described extreme heat as disrupting sleep and caregiving. Participants described maternal psychological distress associated with uncertainty, household disruption, economic losses, and caregiving demands. Participants described challenges affecting children’s nutrition, healthcare access, immunisation, learning, safety, and social development. Community coping strategies included collective action and social support, while participants described gaps in formal responses. Conclusion: The findings highlight interconnected experiences of climate-related disruption, maternal distress, caregiving, and conditions relevant to early childhood wellbeing. Responses could support continuity of health services, nutrition, early learning, safe environments, psychosocial support, and community participation.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -