Polygamy is a practice associated with negative impact on the mental health of women in such practice but quantitative studies on the different stressors and coping mechanisms of these women are yet to be conducted. Moreover, study on this topic in the local setting, where polygamy is an increasing trend, is scarce. Hence, the purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, stressors and coping mechanisms among Muslim women in polygamous marriages in Basilan Province. A cross sectional descriptive study with qualitative component was utilized. Participants were determined through snowball sampling and surveyed using a questionnaire comprised of these parts: socio-demographic, Beck’s Depression Inventory, stressors and coping mechanisms. Out of the 288 participants, 159 participants were found to have BDI scores ≥17 which require treatment. The top three depressive symptoms were feelings of sadness, excessive crying and hopelessness. Further, 112 participants reported suicidal ideations. The top three stressors were participants’ relationship with their co-wives, disagreement of the participant against their husband’s other marriage and dissatisfaction with how their husband divides his financial support. The top three coping mechanisms were praying, communicating with the husband and avoiding interaction with the co-wife. It is concluded that depressive symptoms which require treatment are prevalent more than half of the participants. The top three stressors caused by polygamy and coping mechanisms were also determined by the participants. It is therefore recommended that a support group be formed to help polygamous women to cope up with the stress of being in such marriage and to help screen and refer them to psychiatrists.

Keyword: Depressive symptoms, stressors, and coping mechanisms Muslim women in polygamous marriages