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Gender preference and fertility behavior among married women: A community based study from far western Nepal

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  • Pratima Dawadi
  • Aarati Sharma Bhatta
  • Laxmi Rajbanshi
  • Rajendra Gautam

Abstract

Gender preference often results in low use of contraceptives and parity progression, which can increase the risks of morbidity and mortality for women. This study aimed to identify gender preference and fertility behavior, including contraceptive use and the desire for additional children, among married women. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using systematic random sampling to select280 household, with one respondent interviewed from each household using a semi-structured interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed on the collected data. Of 280 respondents, 44.6% were aged 26–35 years (mean30.23±7.39 years). Most (74.3%) were literate, and 70% were paid worker. Son preference was reported by 53%, with support in old age (87.2%) being the main reason. Gender preference was 60.5% less likely among Bramhin/Chhetri ethnic groups (p = 0.033) and 71.3% less likely if husbands were literate (p = 0.002). Contraception use was 90.7%, but 31.8% desired additional children. Permanent contraceptive method use was 9.387 times more likely above age 30 years (p =

Suggested Citation

  • Pratima Dawadi & Aarati Sharma Bhatta & Laxmi Rajbanshi & Rajendra Gautam, 2024. "Gender preference and fertility behavior among married women: A community based study from far western Nepal," PLOS Global Public Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 4(6), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pgph00:0001080
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001080
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Le, Kien & Nguyen, My, 2022. "Son Preference and Health Disparities in Developing Countries," MPRA Paper 112348, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Aparna Mitra, 2014. "Son Preference in India: Implications for Gender Development," Journal of Economic Issues, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 48(4), pages 1021-1037, December.
    3. Kana Fuse, 2010. "Variations in attitudinal gender preferences for children across 50 less-developed countries," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 23(36), pages 1031-1048.
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