Title: A Study of Attitude, Awareness and Practice on Female Feticide of Pregnant Women in Bikaner of Rajasthan

Authors: Dr Seema Mehta, Aarti acharya, Dr Rattiram Meena, Dr Rekha Acharya, Dr Gaurav Sharma

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i1.153

Abstract

Background: Skewed sex ratio is an issue of major concern and has long-term social and demographic consequences.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in ANC center of Medical college Hospital, Bikaner of  Rajasthan in 400 pregnant women. A pre-tested and pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on their knowledge and attitudes towards gender preference and female feticide.

Results: Out of 400 pregnant women selected for interview, 55% were unaware of the legal age of marriage but 77.5 % knew that pre-natal sex determination can be done and 81% were also knowing USG technique used for sex determination. However 67.5% were unaware about PNDT Act.

Conclusions: It is necessary to gear the efforts against this social malady by intensive IEC campaigns for raising awareness about rules forbidding pre-natal sex determination and strict implementation of PNDT Act.

Keywords: Female feticide, Attitude, Awareness, Practice, Pregnant women.

References

1.      Female foeticide in India. C2007. Avai-lable from http://www.unicef.org/india/ media 3285.htm. [cited on 2008 Jun 26]

2.      Census Figures of 2001. Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, New Delhi, India.

3.      Benji Stephan: Girl child-a reality of “existence” Herald of health 2007:27.

4.      Grewal I, Kishore J. Female feticide in India. International Humanist News, 2004.

5.      Vadera BN, Joshi UK, Unadakat SV, Yadav BS, Yadav S. Study on Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding gender preference and female feticide among pregnant women. Indian J Community Med 2007;32:300-1

6.      Walia A. Female feticide in Punjab: exploring the socio-economic and cultural dimensions. A journal of social issues. 2005;10:1.

7.      Puri S, Bhatia V, Swami HM. Gender preference and awareness regarding sex determination among married women in slums of Chandigarh. Indian J Community Med 2007;1:60-2.

Corresponding Author

Dr Rattiram Meena

Department of Preventive and Social Medicine

Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner