. Shalini Rawat; . Ashwini Yadav; . Sneha Parve; . Kamaxi Bhate
Volume 11, Issue 4 , May 2021, , Pages 1-6
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sex ratio is an important social indicator measuring the status and equality offemale in society. The falling sex ratio of our country is a demographic disaster that is ...
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BACKGROUND: Sex ratio is an important social indicator measuring the status and equality offemale in society. The falling sex ratio of our country is a demographic disaster that is waiting tohappen and is a matter of grave concern. Perception of gender by mothers or families has long‑termimplications on how children are nurtured during their lives. This study was done to understandmother’s preference for the gender of the child and their concerns about the same.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross‑sectional study was carried out using asemi‑structured questionnaire. Two hundred and thirty‑four mothers were interviewed. Frequenciesand percentages were calculated. Pearson’s Chi‑square test was used to check the significance ofthe association.RESULTS: Study results depict that 26.47% of the mothers who were already having a malechild still preferred son. Preference for son was 24.52% and 48.61% among earning mothersand nonearning mothers, respectively. Out of 206 mothers said that they would prefer male child.Reasons cited were as follows: sons carry family name forward (30.6%), having daughters leads toincreased expenditure (20.9%), daughters are subjected to different problem in their lifetime mainlyviolence (11.7%), and sons supported their parents in old age (10.7%).CONCLUSION: Preference for male child was found to be equally prevalent in both urban and ruralareas. Mothers should be educated about the effect of declining sex ratio along with financial capacitybuilding of women and providing social security to senior citizens which was the main reason forson preference .The impact of gender imbalance on individuals, families, and on society has to beemphasized at every possible point of contact with health‑care delivery system.
