Maternal social capital, health status and wellbeing of mothers of children under five years in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

SummaryIntroductionThis study investigated the influence maternal social capital has on the health and wellbeing of mothers of under-five children in a semi-urban local government area in Ibadan, Nigeria.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study that utilised a three-stage sampling technique was adopted to select 385 respondents from 4 primary health care centres in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data collection was done using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess mothers’ social capital, wellbeing and body Mass Index (BMI). Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics at the significant level of P < 0.05.ResultsBenefits derived from participating in social groups such as: useful health information (p = 0.005; p = 0.000) and child care support (p = 0.003; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with wellbeing and health status of mothers respectively.ConclusionsMothers should be encouraged to engage in networks that are of healthful benefits to ensure effective knowledge sharing in sustaining promotion of health and wellbeing among mothers of under-five children.