Epidemiological factors influencing gender preference among mothers attending under-five immunization clinic: A cross-sectional comparative study

BACKGROUND: Sex ratio is an important social indicator measuring the status and equality of female in society. The falling sex ratio of our country is a demographic disaster that is waiting to happen and is a matter of grave concern. Perception of gender by mothers or families has long-term implications on how children are nurtured during their lives. This study was done to understand mother's preference for the gender of the child and their concerns about the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out using a semi-structured questionnaire. Two hundred and thirty-four mothers were interviewed. Frequencies and percentages were calculated. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to check the significance of the association. RESULTS: Study results depict that 26.47% of the mothers who were already having a male child still preferred son. Preference for son was 24.52% and 48.61% among earning mothers and nonearning mothers, respectively. Out of 206 mothers said that they would prefer male child. Reasons cited were as follows: sons carry family name forward (30.6%), having daughters leads to increased expenditure (20.9%), daughters are subjected to different problem in their lifetime mainly violence (11.7%), and sons supported their parents in old age (10.7%). CONCLUSION: Preference for male child was found to be equally prevalent in both urban and rural areas. Mothers should be educated about the effect of declining sex ratio along with financial capacity building of women and providing social security to senior citizens which was the main reason for son preference. The impact of gender imbalance on individuals, families, and on society has to be emphasized at every possible point of contact with health-care delivery system.