Diagnostic and Pharmaceutical Implications of Polygamous Marriage and HIV Transmission among Women of Reproductive Age in Ibiono Ibom, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of polygamous marriage on HIV/AIDS transmission among women of productive age (15–49 years) in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design using a structured questionnaire administered to 230 respondents selected from a population of 8,222 women through a simple random sampling technique. The instrument consisted of five items measured on a four-point Likert scale, and its reliability was established using a pilot study outside the study area, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square test) at a 0.05 level of significance. Results from the descriptive analysis showed that 67.2% of responses agreed that polygamous marriage increases the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission, while 32.8% disagreed. Specifically, 91.3% of respondents agreed that polygamous unions create environments that encourage unprotected sexual practices, and 87.4% agreed that multiple sexual partnerships within families increase HIV exposure. The chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between polygamous marriage and HIV/AIDS transmission (χ² = 283.83, df = 4, p < 0.05), leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. The findings indicate that polygamous marital structures significantly contribute to increased vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among women, largely due to concurrent sexual partnerships, limited sexual negotiation power, and low risk perception. The study recommends strengthened community-based HIV sensitization programs, improved access to rapid diagnostic tools, expanded availability of antiretroviral drugs, and integration of gender-sensitive interventions. It further emphasizes the role of industrial chemistry in developing affordable diagnostic kits and pharmaceutical innovations to support HIV prevention and control in rural communities.