Table 3 Themes and subthemes about stressful life experiences on first married women in polygamous family

socioeconomic challenges in polygamy

Economic barriers

It referring to a lack of resources to live a normal life. It includes food, clothing, shelter, educational materials, and the preservation of land ownership

Responsibility

Which is any activity that seeks attention or concern regarding the family that demands time, money, and labor work effort, e.g., taking care of the whole family, childbearing, and being exhaustively involved in a work burden

Family bonds in polygamy

Relationship

Any kind of relationship, either positively or negatively, with a husband, co-wives, stepchildren, and society, as well as being trustworthy within the family

Reproductive issues

Any reference related to reproductive health issues and experiences such as infertility and sexually transmitted diseases. E.g. "My husband had a desire to have another child but I couldn’t give him one, so he married another woman to fulfill his needs"

Support

The act or process of supporting or helping people to cope with their problems. It could be spiritual, social, and financial support

Reaction to polygamy

Abuse

This can be described as a maladaptive pattern of verbal, physical, and sexual harassment. It also includes mistreatment and discrimination by her and her co-wives

Alcohol use

It refers to excessive use of alcohol which is up to the level of intoxication

Legal issues

Any legal action relating to polygamy is referred to as a legal issue

Psychological issues

It is a condition characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors