Background: The negative effects of polygyny abound in literature while some positive effects have also been enumerated. Few studies have explored the association between polygyny and women's mental health outcomes in Nigeria. This study determined the burden of emotional disorders and its associated factors among pregnant women in polygyny and monogamous relationships.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women (n = 67) in monogamous and polygynous settings. Respondents completed the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem, and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scales. Data were analysed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression at p < 0.05.
Results: Prevalence of psychological distress, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety among women in polygyny was 32.8%, 7.5%, 1.5%, and 6.0% respectively. Prevalence of psychological distress, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety was 41.8%, 3.0%, 3.0%, and 7.5% among women in monogamy respectively. Pregnancy-related hospital admission in index pregnancy and previous history of prolonged labour were risk factors for psychological distress among women in polygyny and monogamy respectively.
Conclusion: Emotional disorders were common among pregnant women in polygyny and monogamy. Our results highlight opportunities for control by addressing pregnancy-related factors.
Key words: Polygyny, Monogamy, Emotional disorders, Pregnancy, Women
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