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.

Nigeria accounts for a considerable proportion of maternal deaths that occur annually worldwide. The study investigated the incidence of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy-related illnesses in women accessing antenatal care services at health facilities in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. The study adopted cross-sectional research design. The population comprised 3,207 registered pregnant women from January to September 2012. The sample for the study consisted of 650 pregnant women. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered by the interviewers to women who had attended antenatal care services within six months prior to the date of data collection. Malaria (66.6%), morning sickness (58.0%), hyperemesis gravidarum (39.7%), sexually transmitted infections (28.6%), gestational diabetes (23.8%), pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (23.0%) and anaemia (15.8%) were the common illnesses in women. There were statistically significant differences in the women's pre-pregnancy illnesses according to the level of education (p = 0.032) and pregnancy-related illnesses according to age (p = 0.023) and level of education (p = 0.045). It was concluded that the interplay of several factors is responsible for the incidence of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy-related illnesses in women. Identification of these factors is expedient while scaling up of maternal health interventions; improved access and uptake of facility-based care hopefully, will drastically reduce morbid conditions in women and improve maternal and newborn outcomes.