Journal of Education and Health Promotion 2277-9531 11 4 2021 05 01 Epidemiological factors influencing gender preference among mothers attending under‑five immunization clinic: A cross‑sectional comparative study 1 6 28217 EN . Shalini Rawat . Ashwini Yadav Medical Scientist, ICMR, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India . Sneha Parve . Kamaxi Bhate Journal Article 2023 02 21 BACKGROUND: Sex ratio is an important social indicator measuring the status and equality of<br />female in society. The falling sex ratio of our country is a demographic disaster that is waiting to<br />happen and is a matter of grave concern. Perception of gender by mothers or families has long‑term<br />implications on how children are nurtured during their lives. This study was done to understand<br />mother’s preference for the gender of the child and their concerns about the same.<br />MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross‑sectional study was carried out using a<br />semi‑structured questionnaire. Two hundred and thirty‑four mothers were interviewed. Frequencies<br />and percentages were calculated. Pearson’s Chi‑square test was used to check the significance of<br />the association.<br />RESULTS: Study results depict that 26.47% of the mothers who were already having a male<br />child still preferred son. Preference for son was 24.52% and 48.61% among earning mothers<br />and nonearning mothers, respectively. Out of 206 mothers said that they would prefer male child.<br />Reasons cited were as follows: sons carry family name forward (30.6%), having daughters leads to<br />increased expenditure (20.9%), daughters are subjected to different problem in their lifetime mainly<br />violence (11.7%), and sons supported their parents in old age (10.7%).<br />CONCLUSION: Preference for male child was found to be equally prevalent in both urban and rural<br />areas. Mothers should be educated about the effect of declining sex ratio along with financial capacity<br />building of women and providing social security to senior citizens which was the main reason for<br />son preference .The impact of gender imbalance on individuals, families, and on society has to be<br />emphasized at every possible point of contact with health‑care delivery system.<br /><br /> https://jehp.mui.ac.ir/article_28217_8eb66fc40f79656f65782847ddb57ad9.pdf