A qualitative study of stakeholders and beneficiaries perspective on community-based mobile nutrition services in Gombe state of Nigeria
摘要
Malnutrition (stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies) remain a public health challenge in northern Nigeria, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where access to nutrition services is limited. This study explored the perceptions of beneficiaries and stakeholders regarding the implementation of a community-based mobile nutrition service program in Gombe State, Nigeria, identifying successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Over a three-month period, we conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with 30 pregnant women and mothers of children under five who were beneficiaries of the program and had consistently participated in at least three mobile nutrition service visits over the preceding six months. Additionally, we held 15 key informant interviews (KIIs) with health workers, traditional leaders, religious leaders, nutrition officers, and program implementers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework. A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the pathways linking implementation factors to perceived health outcomes. Beneficiaries and stakeholders perceived that mobile nutrition services improved access to care by reducing travel needs, which in turn they reported decreased hospital visits and enhanced maternal and child health outcomes. Specific perceived improvements included reduced anemia-related complications during childbirth and improved child growth following micronutrient supplementation. However, challenges such as infrequent service delivery (quarterly visits), poor road conditions limiting outreach, and cultural and language barriers constrained service effectiveness in some communities. Stakeholders emphasized the need for more frequent visits, improved logistical support, and culturally adapted communication strategies. Mobile nutrition services are positively perceived by beneficiaries and stakeholders as effective in improving maternal and child health in hard-to-reach communities. To enhance sustainability, program implementers should consider increasing service frequency, addressing logistical barriers, and incorporating culturally and linguistically appropriate approaches. These findings have important implications for scaling community-based nutrition programs in resource-limited settings.