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. 2022 Feb 22;10(1):40.
doi: 10.1186/s40359-022-00753-4.

Stressful life experience of the first married women in polygamous families in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: a qualitative study, 2021

Nebiyu Mengistu  1 , Seid Shumye  2 , Tinsae Shemelise Tesfaye  2   3 , Sleshi Haile  4 , Yesuneh Bayisa  5 , Solomon Yimer  2 , Moges Tadesse  2   3 , Tesfalidet Markos  2   3 , Derebe Madoro  2 , Dawit Getachew Assefa  6 , Wondwosen Molla  7 , Lulu Abebe  2 , Alemayehu Molla  2 , Aregahegn Wudneh  7 , Bereket Duko  8
Affiliations

Stressful life experience of the first married women in polygamous families in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: a qualitative study, 2021

Nebiyu Mengistu et al. BMC Psychol. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Introduction: Polygamy is commonly referred to as the union of a man with multiple women or the practice of having more than one wife at a time. In Ethiopia, polygamy has practiced in all regions. In particular, the stress of polygamous family life predisposes mothers to psychological problems. Being a serious public health issue, the stressful experience among polygamous women was not known in Ethiopia.

Aim: To explore a stressful life experience among first married polygamous women in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods: This study was conducted using a phenomenological study approach from February 20-30, 2021. A purposive sampling method was used and an in-depth interview was conducted. Data were collected from 13 first married women from polygamous.

Findings: Three themes emerged from the study including reaction to polygamy, socio-economic challenges in polygamy, and bonds of families in polygamy families. The finding indicated that the status of life experience among first married women in a polygamous family was stressful. They experienced various degrees of psychological difficulties including anger, mistrustfulness, emotional distress, loneliness, emptiness, unhappiness, and lack of intimacy with their husbands.

Conclusion and recommendations: This study highlighted how polygamy is a complex issue and common practice in the Gedeo zone. There has to be a mechanism for serious follow-up to educate women properly. A long-lasting measure to empower women in the economy, social, political, and creating a level of consciousness to resist polygamy is important.

Keywords: Polygamy; Qualitative study and Gedeo zone; Stressful life experience; Women.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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