Community-based supports and health outcomes of internally displaced children in banditry-affected communities of Sokoto state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Banditry-related insecurity in north-western Nigeria has resulted in widespread internal displacement, exposing children to malnutrition, communicable diseases, poor sanitation, psychological distress, and limited access to healthcare. This study explored caregivers' perspectives on community-based supports and health outcomes of internally displaced children in banditry-affected communities of Sokoto State, Nigeria.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study was conducted among caregivers of internally displaced children residing in five internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Sokoto State between March and April 2023. Participants were purposively recruited, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved (n = 11). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated where necessary, and analyzed inductively using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis with NVivo 12. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, reflexive journaling, and independent coding. Ethical approval was obtained for the study.

Results: Participants were female caregivers aged 18–51 years, most with little or no formal education. Four themes emerged: absence of structured community-based health programmes; severe resource constraints affecting child health; informal community coping and resilience; and priority needs for sustainable interventions. Caregivers relied on communal sanitation, mutual aid, food sharing, and spiritual coping; however, persistent shortages of food, water, sanitation, shelter, and healthcare services adversely affected child health outcomes.

Conclusion: Internally displaced children in banditry-affected communities face substantial health challenges compounded by inadequate community-based support systems. Strengthening sustainable, well-resourced community-based interventions integrated with formal healthcare services is essential to improve child health outcomes in displacement settings