Back to Search Start Over

IJCM_144A: Demographic Characteristics and Gender Preference Patterns among Postnatal Women at Tertiary Care Hospital in Mangalore

Authors :
Gopika J
Rekha T
Unnikrishnan Bhaskaran
Mithra Prasanna
Kumar Nithin
Holla Ramesh
Source :
Indian Journal of Community Medicine, Vol 49, Iss 7, Pp 42-42 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2024.

Abstract

Background: Gender preference among women remains a significant phenomenon that reflects the imbalance in the sex ratio. Understanding the determinants of gender preference is crucial in addressing associated challenges and promoting gender equality. Objectives: To study the socio-demographic profile of post-natal women, gender preference among them and the factors affecting their preference. Methodology: A hospital-based Cross-Sectional Study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Mangalore among 155 multiparous postnatal women. The data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and was analysed using SPSS version 17.0. Results: Overall, 54.83 % of the study participants belonged to the age group of 18-27 years, 57.42% were unaware of any techniques for determining a person’s sex, and the most frequently mentioned method was ultrasound. The proportion of respondents with a preference for a male child was only 20.6%. The most common reason was the male gender carrying the family name. According to 73% of respondents, having two children is ideal for a family, while having an equal number of boys and girls was the most desired combination (60%). There is a significant preference (75%) for the second child to be male if the first child was female. Conclusion: It’s noteworthy that the preference for a male child was often tied to cultural and familial considerations, such as carrying on the family name. Interestingly, the study also highlights a prevalent preference for a second child to be male if the first child was female, signifying the persistence of gender-biased attitudes.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09700218 and 19983581
Volume :
49
Issue :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Indian Journal of Community Medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5c9258179414c41bec37690623bb332
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijcm.ijcm_abstract144