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

INTRODUCTION: This 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. METHODS: A 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. RESULTS: Benefits 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. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers 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.