Abstract
Introduction: Gender preferences are a well known feature of the society. Huge differences in gender preference is seen in the developed and developing countries. People in India exhibit a strong gender preference for male child .The preference for sons has been associated with preferential abortion of female fetuses. It has been estimated at 933 in India during the census of 2011. One of the most important preventable factor is the prevention of sex selective female abortions.
Aims & Objectives: To explore the gender preference and its associated factors among antenatal women and to assess their awareness and perception regarding prenatal sex determination.
Materials and Methods: Interviews were done among 109 antenatal women attending SGT tertiary care hospital ,Gurgaon using predesigned pretested proforma. The data were analysed by Epi Info 7.0
Results and Discussion: The mean age of marriage among study participants was found to be 20.24+2.05years. 39.45% antenatal mothers had preference for male child in their current pregnancy, 27.52% antenatal mothers had preference for female child and 33.03% had no gender preference. The main reason for male preference cited by subjects were socio ritual factors (47.50%) followed by to carry their family name (37.50%). 59.63% were of view that even if family is complete with female child then also they would prefer to go for male child. Reasons cited for the preference of female child, 51.35% felt that girls and boys should be given equal rights, 18.92% felt that female child is better care taker. Preference for male child was significantly associated with educational status, occupation and parity of the antenatal females. (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Gender empowerment, women education and stringent implementation of PCPNDT Act can curb the social issue of female feticide.
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Corresponding Author
Dr Shalini Ray
Assistant Professor, Dept of Community Medicine, SGT Medical College, Gurgaon, India
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Contact no.9437312202
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i5.41
