Health Implications of harmful widowhood practices in Nigeria
Oludayo, O.G.; Adenike, O.
African Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health 5(1): 25-30
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1759-7374 Document Number: 245416
This article outlines an exploratory survey to determine the existence and extent of harmful widowhood practices among widows and the subsequent health implications of such practices. A detailed questionnaire was administered to 210 widows with a response of 95.24%. Findings indicated that 83.5% and 56.5% of respondents were subjected to staying indoors and wearing of black dresses respectively. Similarly, widows were commonly subjected to confiscation of husband's goods and accused of having a hand in the husband's death, with a prevalence of 20% and 18% respectively. A significant relationship also exists between these harmful widowhood practices and the respondents' health. Of the respondents, 40.5% experienced absent-mindedness, while 56% had anxiety about children's future and 13.5% already had high blood pressure. Little or no help was received from the government or non-governmental organizations. There is a need for policies from all sectors of society to help ensure widows' welfare.