THE NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY
ISSN: 0331-4111 e-ISSN: 2736-075X
Volume 23, No. 2, November 2025
Pages 38-55
DOI: 10.36108/NJSA/5202.32.0230
Traditional Patriarchal System and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women in Rural Abia State, Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Development
1Promise Nkwachi Starris-Onyema, 2Helen Ihuoma Agharanya and 1 Oluwaseun Toluwalase Emmanuel
1 Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria
2 Nigeria for Women Project, Ministry of Women Affairs, Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract
This research investigated how traditional patriarchal system in Abia State, Nigeria, perpetuate gendered power dynamics that limit women’s autonomy in sexual and reproductive health and affects sustainable development goal in the area. Traditional patriarchal systems (TPS) significantly influenced women’s vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pose barriers to their health and well-being. Using a qualitative approach, this exploratory, cross-sectional study interrogated the intersection of traditional patriarchal norms and STI prevalence among women, employing the Social Ecology Model (SEM) and EPIS (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment) framework of implementation science strategy, to develop context-specific interventions for the affected population. Data collection involved 6 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) among rural women and stakeholders, while 7 key-informant (KI) data were collected with community leaders, health care professionals, and state coordinators selected purposively from Abia North, Abia Central, and Abia South. The study provided nuanced insights into cultural norms, barriers to care, and societal perceptions. Findings revealed that patriarchal systems limit women’s decision-making power, perpetuate stigma, and create inequitable healthcare access, emerging economic dependency, and judgmental fear as critical barriers to seeking medical care, and resource constraints limited effective management of STIs. Guided by the EPIS framework, this study proposes strategies to address patriarchal barriers and improve STI prevention and care by tailoring interventions through stakeholder engagement to integrate gender-sensitive training for the affected population, to promote equitable healthcare for women in rural areas, contributing to sustainable development in relevant context
Keywords: Patriarchy norms, Women’s autonomy in sexual health, Sustainable development in Rural Abia