Narratives of childless widows: exploring the lived experiences and well-being of childless widows in rural Nigeria.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being
; 15(1): 1713657, 2020 Dec.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31924131
ABSTRACT
Background:
Widows are socioeconomically disadvantaged, especially in low resource regions. Childless widows are a group whose plight may be worse given sociocultural circumstances. In the current study, we examined the lived experiences of childless widows living in remote Nigeria, highlighting this group as being in critical need for social interventions.Method:
Childless widows (n = 11) in rural settings in South East Nigeria were interviewed. Narrative analysis was used in navigating the lived experiences of the widows.Results:
Extreme distress, ostracism, stigma, and traumatic experiences were common in the narratives of the widows. However, childlessness was at the core of their distress. Treated as outcasts, the widows resigned to God, though some were scarcely allowed to play supportive roles among relatives. As social welfare packages are almost non-existent in this region, religious groups often played supportive roles.Conclusion:
Legislation protecting widows are good but may not be sufficient if it does not translate to improved wellbeing/welfare for widows. Childless widows, especially those in rural areas, are especially vulnerable as they face peculiar deprivation and psychological distress arising from cultural/social realities. Recognising the limited resources in low income countries, mobilisation of local structures and resources to educate and monitor local communities are important.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
1_ASSA2030
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
População Rural
/
Viuvez
/
Relações Familiares
/
Marginalização Social
/
Angústia Psicológica
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
/
Equity_inequality
Limite:
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article