This study examines the well-being of mothers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, during periods of severe air pollution, focusing on the role of social capital in their resilience and coping strategies. The key research questions address how mothers navigate the challenges posed by air pollution and the strategies they employ to mitigate its effects. Employing a qualitative approach, the research primarily used the emerging data collection method, "photovoice," complemented by focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with ten mothers living in various areas of the city, including the most polluted "ger" areas and apartment areas closer to the city center. Findings indicate that mothers actively engage in preventive measures and adapt to air pollution, primarily relying on traditional knowledge and community support rather than scientific information. The results highlight that social capital significantly enhances mothers' resilience by fostering resource sharing and providing emotional support. This research contributes to understanding the interplay between environmental stressors and maternal well-being, emphasizing the importance of social networks in building resilience among the most affected population groups. The insights gained can inform policy interventions aimed at supporting the most affected population groups during periods of severe air pollution.
Lkhagva et al. (Sun,) studied this question.