Biasness in Gender Preference among the Antenatal Mothers: An Institute Based Mixed Method Study in Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Preferential attitudes towards either sex is being followed for generations and it affects the social harmony. Although the constitution of India has granted gender equity, disparity still remains. Present study was conducted to reveal the gender preferences of antenatal mothers.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological mixed method study (quantitative and qualitative methods) was conducted among 422 antenatal mothers admitted in the antenatal ward of Bankura Sammilani Medical College, within first quarter of 2015 (January to March). Data were collected by in depth interview of mothers maintaining anonymity and confidentiality. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to find out the most predicted variables.

Results: Among 422 mothers, about 75% preferred male child for their current pregnancy. Mother who had only female child or female child predominance in previous issues, were preferred male child more significantly for current pregnancy. Similarly, opposite statement was found statistically significant. Lower socioeconomic classed mothers more significantly preferred female child and Upper lower classed mothers expected male child more in this pregnancy. Secondary educated mother mostly preferred female child and primary educated fathers more expected male child in current pregnancy.

Conclusion: Education and economic condition of the mothers were not found as the sole reasons for their choices. It means that the problem was in their thinking, not in the situation and it can be modified by appropriate policy making.