This study examined some health and psychosocial problems associated with mourning among 72 elderly Ijaw widows. The respondents complained of fever, gastrointestinal disorders and a range of psychosocial problems such as disinheritance, suspicion, frustration, hopelessness and degrading inhuman treatment. Community women/in-laws increased the extent to which elderly widows accepted traditional mourning rites. Care from nurses, good psychosocial support, health and conventional education enhanced the widows’ health status and ability to cope with mourning rites. Elderly widows in polygamous marriages experienced better psychosocial support than those in monogamous marriages. Implications for nursing and psychological practices have been highlighted in this study.

Keywords:
Widowhood rites, Ijaw society, Psychosocial support
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© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
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