About This Project

This study will explore the experiences of women as they pertain specifically to their perspectives on the spread of HIV/AIDS while practicing polygamy, a system of marriage that is prevalent in Nigeria. The study is important as the results can be used to increase awareness among women in polygamy and health policy makers regarding the transmission of HIV/AIDS and the preventive measures available for HIV/AIDS.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

A phenomenological study regarding the perception of HIV/AIDS by Nigerian women living in polygamy. While it is traditionally acceptable for a man to marry more than one wife, a woman cannot marry more than one husband at a time. The women live in rural Nigeria and are involved in polygamy as wives. Rural Nigeria is less populated but much more culturally oriented than the urban areas. The choice of rural dwellers as the focus of this study stems from the observation that interventions for HIV/AIDS are geared toward the urban areas, where there are less cultural sensitivities such as the tradition of multiple sex partners preventing health initiatives.

What is the significance of this project?

It is important to be aware of the lived experiences of women who are involved in polygamy in relation to the contraction of HIV/AIDS. Polygamy is a system of marriage that allows a man to marry more than one wife. Previous studies have addressed other factors that affect HIV/AIDS prevention and control such as politics, economics, and religion. Culture, however, is fundamental to health programs. As polygamy is a cultural belief and efforts to change a longstanding culture can evoke hostility, the significance of this study is its ability to indicate ways to prevent sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS in polygamous marriage.

What are the goals of the project?

The goal is to educate women practicing polygamy about the benefits of using the female condom to prevent sexually transmitted disease such as HIV/AIDS. It is anticipated that the information presented through the gathering and analysis of data in this study will further the body of research associated with HIV/AIDS. The study is also aimed toward stopping the spread of the disease through potential changes in behavior. In addition, the younger generation will be aware of the negative effects of polygamy in order to encourage a gradual end to a negative health behavior. The information gathered from this study will be disseminated to the Nigerian Ministry of Health in order to develop an initiative to empower women to prevent HIV/AIDS.