Experiences of maternal distress and early childhood development amid climate-related stress in Benue state, Nigeria: a qualitative study

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.