A Study on Gender Preferences and its Sociocultural aspects among Married Women (18-45 Years) in Rural Gurugram

  • V K Singhal
  • Shalini Ray
  • Priyanka Sachdeva
  • Vishesh Yadav
Keywords: Gender Preference, Contraception, Sex Ratio

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Declining sex ratio is a major concern worldwide, especially in a developing country like India. The role of sociocultural factors in gender preference is known since ages. The skewed sex ratio in India is attributed to selective female feticides and misuse of technological advancements. This also has a strong influence on contraceptive acceptance among couples.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to explore the contraceptive use, gender preferences and its determinants among married women in rural Gurgaon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among married women (18-45years) residing in the rural field practice area of SGT medical college and hospital, Gurugram. The sample size was found to be 400. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants.  Pre- tested, pre-designed questionnaire was used for data collection.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Among 400 married women, current contraceptive usage among study population was found to be 58.25%. The most common method of contraception used by the study subjects was intrauterine contraceptive device. The preference for male child was found among 49.5% women. The reasons cited for such preference were propagation of family name (48.2%), financial dependability in the old age (34%), social responsibilities are carried out by males (25.3%) and males are lesser economic liability (31%). Lower age group of mother, nulliparity, Hindu religion, lower educational status and lower socioeconomic status were found to be the determinants of male child preference in the present study.

CONCLUSION: There is need of awareness and education amongst women and both the genders deserve equal respect without any preferences.

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Author Biographies

V K Singhal

Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram

Shalini Ray

Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram

Priyanka Sachdeva

Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram

Vishesh Yadav

Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram

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CITATION
DOI: 10.26440/IHRJ/0305.08270
Published: 2019-08-24
How to Cite
1.
V K Singhal, Shalini Ray, Priyanka Sachdeva, Vishesh Yadav. A Study on Gender Preferences and its Sociocultural aspects among Married Women (18-45 Years) in Rural Gurugram. IHRJ [Internet]. 2019Aug.24 [cited 2024Mar.29];3(5):185-8. Available from: https://ihrjournal.com/ihrj/article/view/270
Section
Original Research(s)