Male Reproductive Health Challenges and Appraisal of Wives’ Coping Strategies

Emmanuel O. Amoo, Covenant University
Adekunbi Omideyi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Theophilus O. Fadayomi, Covenant University
Gbolahan Oni, Covenant University

The study examined the coping strategies adopted by the wives whose husbands have reproductive health challenges. Four focus group discussions were organized among the affected wives. They were selected following a key-informant-leading approach within 16 wards in purposively selected two States within Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. The data were transcribed and analyzed using systematic-content-analysis technique which was moderated with content-observation approach. The prevailing reproductive health challenges identified are gonorrhea, prostate and prostate cancer. Prominent among the coping strategies employed by the affected wives are: seeking intervention from their religious leaders and family doctors, physical therapy, abstinence and concubinage. The sanctity or traditional silence over male sexual health problems could be detrimental to healthy conjugal relationship. Informal and home-based sexuality education and the integration of socially recognized role models will address the sexual and reproductive health needs of both husbands and wives.