Extent of difference between male and female gender preference and associated factors among currently married women of reproductive age group in Puducherry, India

Background To assess the pattern and extent of male and female gender preference and its associated factors among currently married women of reproductive age group in Puducherry, coastal south India. Methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2017 among 2228 currently married women residing in selected rural and urban areas of Puducherry, India. Details of pattern and associated factors of gender preference were assessed based on National Family Health Survey questionnaire. Sociodemographic and personal factors were collected by structured proforma. Log binomial regression analysis was done to find the factors associated with gender preference. Results About 1979 women participated. Preference for male and female child was 27.9% and 22.5% respectively. Others had equal (46.1%) or no preference (3.5%) on gender. Majority of them preferred two children (1528, 77.2%) and among them, 59.2% (904) preferred one boy and one girl. Those who preferred one child, male child preference (51.8%) is more than female child preference (20.1%). Number of living children (1,2, ≥3), preferred children (1,3) and those from urban areas had more male preference; age group (35 to 39 years), number of living children (1,2, ≥3), preferred children (3,4,5) and those from urban areas had significantly more female preference compared to their counterparts in the adjusted analysis. Conclusions Overall, preference of male child was higher than female child. Those who preferred one child, margin is wider with male preference more than female preference. This group requires special support and follow up health care services like counselling to equalize the preference.