A Study on Gender Preference and Awareness on Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act Among Antenatal Women in Visakhapatnam City (original) (raw)
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MALE CHILD PREFERENCE FOR THE FIRST CHILD DECREASING AMONG WOMEN IN SURAT CITY
National Journal of Community Medicine, 2011
The systematic undervaluation of women is quite visible in our country through adverse sex ration at birth for girls. The present study attempts to address the desired gender preferences of the first child of couples in Surat city. Randomly selected 270 women were interviewed using a semi structured questioner. It was observed that just below two-thirds (63%) of the respondents had expressed their contentment with either gender choice. Of the remaining the majority had expressed their desire for a male child (22.2%) followed by a female child (14.4%). ‘Ensuring continuation of family name’ was the most cited reason for preferring male as a first child while ‘females are considered as the ‘Laxmi’ of the house’ was the most common reason for favoring female as first child. However, Nearly all of the respondents (98.9%) profess that boys and girls should be given equal rights. At the minimum the study revealed that the people of Surat city are becoming sensitive towards the issue of male child reference or at least adopting a politically correct attitude in public settings.
Preference for Male Child in Two Semiurban Communities of Pune
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine Education and Research, 2013
A strong preference for male child exists in our society. Most of the factors that compel or favor son preference are social in origin. A cross-sectional study was conducted to ascertain preference for male child in married females of two semiurban communities in Pune and determinants thereof. Unit of study was a married woman in reproductive age group of 16 to 45 years. A close-ended, pretested structured interview schedule was prepared. Face-to-face interview was conducted with the respondents. Preference for a male child was taken as presence of sex preference in the respondent. Data was analyzed using EPI 2002 software. Preference for male child was present in half of the respondents. Remaining half believed that it is not necessary for each couple to have a male child. Proportion of women with preference for a male child decreased as the educational level of women increased and it was found that there was a significant linear relationship between literacy status and son preference (p < 0.05). Significantly more (64%) of joint family respondents had son preference than nuclear family (40%). The odds of a respondent from a joint family having a son preference were 2.6 times that of a respondent in nuclear (p < 0.05). Hindus had significantly more preference for male child as compared to non-Hindus. The most common reason for desire to have a male child was 'an expectation of security in old age'. Others reasons included 'to perform last rites' and 'to make in-laws happy'.
International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 2014
Background: In India the overwhelming preference for sons coupled with inclination for a small family and availability of prenatal diagnostic test has resulted in the decreasing sex ratio. So the aim of the study was to find out the attitude of parents towards sex preference of the child and use of prenatal diagnostic test. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in the urban area of Sambalpur in the year 2011. By simple random sampling a total of 200 families were selected which consisted of both the parents with at least one male and one female child of 0-6 years of age. Both the parents were questioned regarding sex preference of additional child and attitude towards Pre Natal Diagnostic Technique (PNDT). Chi-square and z tests were applied. Results: Among the parents who wanted an additional child 62-64% had two children and 30% had three children. Majority i.e., 78% fathers and 81% mothers, who expected another child preferred son. Highest son preference was seen among mothers of middle class (86.7%) and illiterate mothers (84.7%). Also 51.5% fathers and 47.3% mothers favoured PNDT. Parents belonging to Upper class favoured PNDT more than the lower class (x 2 = 6.73, df = 2, P <0.05). Conclusion: Education and employment opportunities for women and effective implementation of PNDT act hold key solutions to this problem.
National Journal of Community Medicine, 2017
Introduction: Though the overall sex ratio in India has increased by 0.75% in the last decade, the child sex ratio between 0-6 years age group has dropped to all time low since independence to 914 females against 1000 males. Decreased child sex ratio has been observed in Karnataka including Mysore district in the last decade. Hence a study was considered for the gender preferences for the desired fertility. Objectives: The study conducted to determine the sex preference for desired fertility among eligible couples and also to assess factors influencing child sex ratio. Methodology: Cross sectional study among rural population of Mysore district consisted a total of 402 eligible couples. Data regarding various basic socio‑demographic characteristics & village-level economic development were collected. Results: The study showed that 97.51 % of women want at least one girl child in the family. Majority of women 50.99% had equal preference for of boys and girls. Conclusion: It would be to better understand & work towards finding the motivations and social norms of the women and communities who do not express a son preference.
Preference for male child as a factor for declining child sex ratio: A study from Haryana
Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2017
A research study to ascertain the perception towards decline in child sex ratio (DCSR) was carried out in Rewari district of Haryana state. Data was collected by interviewing 120 ANC (Antenatal care) clients using semistructured interview schedule. The major findings of study are: (1) ANC beneficiaries are well aware of DCSR (Declining child sex ratio), but emphasized the need for more of BCC (Behavior change communication) activities by the Health Department. The factors mainly responsible for DCSR are: son preference and dowry. Mushrooming of USG (Ultrasonography) clinics is also expressed as a major factor by large number of respondents. (2) The various reasons for son preference are; that he is a supporter and provider for the parents in their old age; keeps the family name alive and are needed to perform their last rites. Also, by investing on sons' education or business, the wealth remains in the family. (3) The major reasons for not preferring female child are dowry and perception of girls being paraya dhan. Other perceptions are that investing on girls is a waste with no returns and security reasons especially against sexual offences. (4) Majority of them perceived non-availability of brides as major repercussion of DCSR followed by increased crime against women and polyandry.
Gender preference among reproductive age group women in rural area
International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2016
Background: Skewed sex ratio is an issue of major concern and has long-term social and demographic consequences. In India, the preference for a son is very strong. The preference for a male child and discrimination against the female child are causing the rapid disappearance of female children in India. The main objective was to study the gender preference among rural married women in reproductive age group. Methods: A community based cross sectional study on 220 rural married women of age group 15 to 49 years was carried out in Vishnupuri village of Nanded district in Maharashtra state, India. Information regarding gender preference, expected number of male or female children, awareness regarding PCPNDT act etc. was asked. A predesigned semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Out of 220 study subjects, majority of women i.e. 209 (95%) said that they will prefer male child as first issue. 105 (47.7%) women said that they expect children in 1male:1female proportion, followed by 2males:1female proportion by 42 (19.1%) women. 130 (59.1%) have heard about PCPNDT act and not a single women tried for sex determination during her ANC period. Conclusions: A strong preference to male child has been observed in females of reproductive age in rural area.
National Journal of Community Medicine, 2012
Background: The preference for a son and female feticide continues to be a prevalent norm in traditional Indian household resulting in declining sex ratio, which has dropped to alarming level. Objective: To evaluate gender preference, attitude and awareness regarding sex determination among married women attending general OPD, antenatal clinic of RDGMC UJJAIN, MP, INDIA. Material and methods: Study was conducted in February - March 2011 that enroll 400 married women of reproductive age group attending general OPD, antenatal clinic of RDGMC Ujjain, MP, India. A predesigned questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic and SES of study subjects and assessing their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding sex determination as: preference, reason for preference. Result: Preferred gender composition was equal no of boy & girls ( 64.5 %) & more boys than girls(23%). 79 % of women were aware about place for sex determination. 69.5 % of women were aware to fact that fetal sex Determination is a crime & 66.5 % of women knew about the punishment for sex determination and implication of feticide. male child preference observed in 40 % of women. Conclusion: Despite the existence of preconception and prenatal diagnostic technique (PNPCDT), there is dire need to strengthen their law.
Reproductive Health, 2014
Background: Son preference is predominant in developing countries especially South Asian countries and its effect is most visible when the fertility is on transition. Nepal is a country in South Asia where the fertility has declined and son is valued highly. This study examines the parent's gender preference for children and its effect on fertility and reproductive behaviors. Methods: Study was conducted in Sonapur village development committee of Sunsari district among women of Tharu community of reproductive age (15-49) currently in union and having at least one child. Data was collected by house to house survey. Data was analyzed with IBM SPSS 20 version. Multinomial and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship among variables.
Sex Preferences Among Mothers Delivering at Patan Hospital
Kathmandu University Medical Journal, 2012
Background High sex ratios at birth (SRB) are seen in China, Taiwan, South Korea, parts of India and Vietnam. The imbalance is the result of son preference, accentuated by declining fertility. Prenatal sex determination and female feticides are common in many countries. It is reflected in sex ratio Objective To determine reasons for the preferences for different sex; to find out whether there is altered sex ratio at birth and to find out whether female feticide are common among women who had abortion. Method It is a prospective study. Women who had previous history of abortion and had delivered at Patan Hospital in the year 2066 were interviewed as per questionnaires. Results Among 560 women with total live births of 965, (462 male and 503 female) during their life time the overall sex ratio was 92 male per 100 female birth; total abortions were 663. Preferences for male were 10%, female 15.4% and either was for 74%. The reason for male preference was to continue family lineage, to ...
National Journal of Community Medicine, 2014
Background: Falling sex ratio is a major concern. Gender preference of young couples, their attitude towards pre natal sex determination and awareness regarding related social issues plays an important role in determining their practice and needs to be studied. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional; community based descriptive study conducted in Lucknow district from August, 2012 to April, 2013. Couples were interviewed using a pre tested, semi structured questionnaire. Gender preference was assessed using the Coombs scale and attitude towards pre natal sex determination was elicited with the help of a case study. Multi stage random sampling technique was adopted to select the couples. A total of 308 couples were interviewed. Results: Son preference was observed among 64.6% of the couples while 28.1% couples were in favour of pre natal sex determination. Overall 72.1% couples were aware of unfavourable sex ratio in the country and 74.7% were aware of the harmful effects of declining sex ratio on the society. Majority (93.2%) knew that pre natal sex determination is a crime but only 1.6% were aware of the punishment for the offence. Conclusion: The study clearly shows that son preference and pre natal sex determination still finds favour with a substantial proportion of young couples and emphasises the need for proper counselling and behaviour change communication among them.