Presenter Information

Prisca Anuforo, DNP, CTN-A, RN

Duquesne University

Rick Zoucha PhD, PMHCNS-BC, CTN-A, FAAN

Duquesne University

Abstract

Abstract

Title: Understanding Widowhood Cultural Practices Among Nigerian Americans: A Mini Ethnonursing Study

Purpose: The study aims to understand the cultural values, beliefs, and experiences of widowhood cultural practices in Nigerian American women and how it affects health and well-being.

Research Questions: a). What are the values, beliefs, and experiences of widowhood cultural practices of Nigerian American women in the United States? b). How do these experiences affect the health and well-being of the widowed?

Background: There are 461,695 Nigerians residing in the United States, and 3.1 percent of the population is widowed. The morbidity and mortality rates are higher in widowhood than in married and single people, with the highest incidence occurring in the first six months.

Method: The study used a qualitative ethnonursing method. Data were analyzed using Leininger’s four phases of data analysis.

Results: The results are from five participants aged between 50 and 62, with an average of 12 widowhood years. Eleven categories and three patterns emerged from the data. The patterns are the pattern of describing mental health concerns but not acknowledging them as a health problem, the pattern of unfavorable cultural treatment of widows, and the pattern of reliance on God for survival.

Conclusion and Implications: Widowhood cultural practices impact health. Healthcare practitioners need to understand the meaning of health in this population to provide culturally congruent care. Knowledge gained from this study has the potential to inform nursing care decisions directed at early intervention that can improve healthcare outcomes.

Keywords: Widowhood, Cultural Practices, Nigerian, Nigerian American, Bereavement

School

School of Nursing

Advisor

Rick Zoucha PHD, PMHCNS-BC, CTN-A, FAAN

Submission Type

Paper

Publication Date

March 2023

Included in

Nursing Commons

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Mar 17th, 12:00 AM

Understanding Widowhood Cultural Practices Among Nigerian Americans: A Mini Ethnonursing Study

Abstract

Title: Understanding Widowhood Cultural Practices Among Nigerian Americans: A Mini Ethnonursing Study

Purpose: The study aims to understand the cultural values, beliefs, and experiences of widowhood cultural practices in Nigerian American women and how it affects health and well-being.

Research Questions: a). What are the values, beliefs, and experiences of widowhood cultural practices of Nigerian American women in the United States? b). How do these experiences affect the health and well-being of the widowed?

Background: There are 461,695 Nigerians residing in the United States, and 3.1 percent of the population is widowed. The morbidity and mortality rates are higher in widowhood than in married and single people, with the highest incidence occurring in the first six months.

Method: The study used a qualitative ethnonursing method. Data were analyzed using Leininger’s four phases of data analysis.

Results: The results are from five participants aged between 50 and 62, with an average of 12 widowhood years. Eleven categories and three patterns emerged from the data. The patterns are the pattern of describing mental health concerns but not acknowledging them as a health problem, the pattern of unfavorable cultural treatment of widows, and the pattern of reliance on God for survival.

Conclusion and Implications: Widowhood cultural practices impact health. Healthcare practitioners need to understand the meaning of health in this population to provide culturally congruent care. Knowledge gained from this study has the potential to inform nursing care decisions directed at early intervention that can improve healthcare outcomes.

Keywords: Widowhood, Cultural Practices, Nigerian, Nigerian American, Bereavement