A qualitative assessment of barriers to child and maternal health in the Rio Coco region of rural Nicaragua

People living within the Rio Coco region of rural Nicaragua are vulnerable to poor health outcomes as a result of a multitude of barriers within their living environments. The purpose of this study is to understand local health needs and assets within the Rio Coco, and make recommendations for improving health. Local knowledge of health needs was collected through 41 semi-structured interviews with mothers and community health workers. The study describes how health within the communities is greatly constricted by factors within the context and environment, and how community feedback can be used to help identify effective points of action. The case study offers broader lessons learned regarding the importance of prioritizing local knowledge, and having mechanisms to mobilize and allocate funds at the local level. These findings offer insight into how child and maternal health can be better addressed in rural and remote communities.