MATERNAL CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN COMBATING CHILD MALNUTRITION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Child malnutrition remains a persistent global problem despite numerous nutrition initiatives, especially in rural and underserved settings. Many interventions overlook the central role of mothers whose ability to ensure adequate child nutrition is constrained by limited health literacy, socio-cultural norms, and economic barriers. This narrative review examines the influence of maternal health literacy, socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, and support networks on child malnutrition in underserved communities. This narrative review synthesized evidence from studies published between 2020 and 2024 retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify maternal barriers and facilitators influencing child nutrition in rural contexts. Mothers play a pivotal role in child health, yet factors like limited autonomy, financial hardships, and inadequate support systems hinder their ability to combat malnutrition. Research indicates that low maternal health literacy is associated with poorer nutrition outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted education programs. Economic barriers limit access to diverse and nutritious foods, while socio-cultural norms shape caregiving practices, either facilitating or restricting maternal efforts. Effective interventions should incorporate community-driven support, economic empowerment, and culturally tailored education to strengthen maternal capacity and improve child nutrition outcomes.