Assessment on Availability and Accessibility of Health and Nutrition Information by Mothers and Caregivers of Under-Five Years Children in Mbeya, Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines how mothers and caregivers n Mbeya, Tanzania, access and utilize health and nutrition information, focusing on the sources of information, barriers to access, and potential strat-egies for improvement. Access to such information is essential for enhancing the well-being of chil-dren under five, as it informs caregivers about disease prevention, nutrition, and general healthcare practices. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions with community members, healthcare workers, and other key stakeholders. The results show that healthcare providers, community health workers, local media, and community meetings are the most frequently used sources of health and nutrition information. The majority of respondents (85%) relied on healthcare providers for guidance, followed by 70% who depended on community health workers. Local media, including radio and television, was cited by 60% of respondents as an important source of information, while 55% mentioned community meetings as valuable platforms for learning. Despite the availability of various information sources, several barriers hinder access to health and nutrition resources. The most significant challenge identified was financial constraints, with 70% of respondents citing high healthcare costs as a major barrier. Additionally, 60% of respondents reported a lack of awareness about available services, which lim-ited their ability to access essential information. Other barriers included logistical challenges such as transportation difficulties (mentioned by 50% of respondents) and inadequate health facilities (cited by 62%). Socio-cultural factors, such as cultural beliefs and language differences, also affect-ed access, with 40% of participants noting that cultural practices influenced their health decisions and 47% highlighting language barriers that affected their comprehension of health information. The findings underscore the need to address these challenges to improve access to health and nutri-tion information for mothers and caregivers in Mbeya. Enhancing healthcare infrastructure, raising awareness about available resources, and overcoming cultural and logistical barriers will be key steps in supporting the health and well-being of young children in the region.