Preference For Male Child Research Articles

Diabolism and Male Child Preference in the Cause of Mental Illnesses in Ebuka Onuma’s Film, Moment of Madness

This paper examines diabolism and male-child preference as the cause of mental illness in Moment of Madness, a Nollywood film. Mental illnesses have become like a cankerworm eating deep into the fabric of global societies. Places of treatment that patients' relatives choose for victims depend on the cause of the illness. Factors causing mental illnesses depicted in Nollywood are also under-studied. This paper uses Attribution theory and textual analysis methods to read the cause of mental illness in the film, Moment of Madness. The study exposes that Nollywood films set in traditional African society portray traditional causes like diabolic as one of the root causes of mental illnesses and male child preference as a leading factor for Charity’s use of diabolism to cause mental illness to Mmesoma in the film.

Re-Fashioning Femininity and Motherhood in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Zikora: A Short Story”

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the postcolonial writers who has made her literary contribution by introducing Nigerian culture to her readers in English. This paper aims to present a re-fashioned postcolonial perspective on the understanding of femininity and motherhood in Nigerian culture and to demonstrate how the perception of these concepts has evolved over generations as illustrated by the mother-daughter relationship in Adichie’s “Zikora: A Short Story” (2020). “Zikora” deals with various issues directly related to the situation of Nigerian women, such as single motherhood, polygamy, sexism and the preference for male children. The article draws on African feminism to explore womanhood as an identity and to emphasise the role that contact with a foreign culture plays in women's self-determination and development as individuals. In the story, the eponymous character is a single woman whose expected child is not wanted by her father. In the final stages of labour, Zikora reflects on her mother's relationship with her father and how she had to stay in the polygamous marriage just because she did not bear her husband a son. This study also shows that “Zikora: A Short Story” is a boldly written story that draws attention to the many injustices faced by Nigerian women in a patriarchal society.

IJCM_408A: Knowledge and perception of female feticide among medical students

Background: The preference for male children over female children has resulted in a declining sex ratio. We need to tackle and treat the mindset of people who don’t value the existence of females and consider them a burden. Objectives: To study the knowledge and perceptions related to female feticide among medical students of Mangalore. Methodology: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out among third and fourth year MBBS students of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A sample size of 300 was calculated and they were selected into the study using Convenient Sampling. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 29. Results: Around 94.6 % of the participants were aware of the correct meaning of the term “Female feticide”. Almost, 94.3 % of the participants had an awareness about the practice of female feticide being prevalent in India. Nearly 74% of participants received information about female feticide from multiple media sources and 51.1 % from Newspapers. Conclusion: The study shows medical students have the optimum level of awareness about the factors of female feticide. They favoured that the decline in sex ratio is the main impact of female feticide.

THE BURGEONING BURDEN OF PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH IN LOWER MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES

THE BURGEONING BURDEN OF PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH IN LOWER MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES

Association of Antenatal Gender Preference with Perceived Stress among Pregnant Women

Background: Antenatal stress is the stress experienced by a pregnant mother as a result of stressful life circumstances. Gender preference for male children and dislike for female children prevails in many regions of the world. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how gender preferences during pregnancy, influenced by cultural and sociodemographic factors, contribute to perceived maternal stress. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the association between stress and gender preference in pregnant women. A total of 363 healthy pregnant females recruited from tertiary care hospitals of Karachi and Lahore via purposive sampling technique were first interviewed for demographic information. The self-structured questionnaire comprises items based on preferences in pregnancies and antenatal or postnatal psychological health, was then asked to be filled to determine the association between antenatal gender preference and perceived stress among the participants. Results: Male child preferences were significantly linked to antenatal stress (32.8%, p<0.05). Gender scans were performed in around 33.1% and 64.6%of mothers desired male children. The rationale behind it is that a male offspring will be able to support them in their later years. Conclusion: It was concluded that a significant association wasfoundbetween male child preferences and antenatal stress. Moreover, antenatal stress was also associated with younger mother age, low self-esteem, low socioeconomic position, and a strong familial desire for sons. Premature birth, low birth weight, and inadequate prenatal care are all possible outcomes of stress during pregnancy. Keywords: Gender Identity, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care, Psychological Factors.

Rationale for declined child sex ratio across Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu-A qualitative study.

Child sex ratio signifies the proportion of girls compared with boys in 0 to 6 years of age group. It is an important indicator for any population and most significantly about the status of the girl child in the society. The study tried to approach in a qualitative manner to study the rationale behind the declining of child sex ratio. We conducted a qualitative study using five focus group discussions and 12 in-depth interviews among various age groups, pregnant women, and other stake holders. The participants were approached with a semi-structured open-ended interview guide regarding the rationale of declined child sex ratio and measures to normalize it. After a thematic analysis, main themes and subthemes were selected after consensual agreement. The study showed that male child preference is the main theme identified in the rationale part with subthemes of female vulnerability, socioeconomic status, literacy, cultural, and caste and religion as subthemes. The theme of female child preference also came up with as second child, care taking, affectionate, and cultural factors as subthemes. In the area of suggestions/interventions, education, counseling, government policies and media along with suggestions regarding sex determination and female feticide were identified. The decline in child sex ratio should be taken as an active social issue thus focusing more into female upliftment and enlightening into the issues of patriarchal nature, with reduction of cultural/religious beliefs.

An Assessment of the Relationship between Socio-cultural Practices and Domestication of Child Rights Law in Cross River State, Nigeria

After the enactment of Child Rights Act in Nigeria in 2003, its domestication and implementation have remained weak and ineffective. This study investigated the relationship between socio-cultural practices and the domestication of Child Rights Law (CRL) in Cross River State. The Social Learning theory was employed as the theoretical framework. The study utilized mixed method involving questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews (IDI) to elicit data. Simple and systematic random sampling techniques were used to draw a sample of 461 respondents from households, while purposive and quota sampling techniques were used to select 56 interviewees from child-focused ministries, departments and agencies, non-governmental organizations, children under corrections/police custody, orphanages and remand homes, making a total of 517 respondents. One hypothesis was formulated and tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation through Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 26. Quantitatively, the study revealed that there was a high correlation between socio-cultural practices and the domestication of CRL, viz; male child preference had R-value of 0.937; branding of children as witches and wizards (r =0.953); female genital mutilation (r =0.811); child marriage and betrothal (r = 0.772), etc, all of which accounted for the poor domestication of CRL. Qualitatively, the IDI interviewees reported that socio-cultural practices negatively impacted on the domestication of Child Rights Law in Cross River State. The study recommended that, socio-cultural practices inimical to the child should be abolished through awareness campaign by trained community and religious leaders.

Antepartum Depression and Its Clinico-Social Correlates: A Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Hospital of North India.

Maternal depression, the second leading cause of disease burden in women worldwide is often under-diagnosed and untreated. It can have consequences for pregnancy outcomes and child health. (1) To estimate the prevalence of antepartum depression among females attending antenatal clinic of a tertiary hospital. (2) To determine its obstetric and clinico-social correlates. A cross-sectional study was conducted in antenatal clinic by consecutive sampling of 300 pregnant women. We included those in third trimester, aged 18-40years and giving informed consent and excluded those with pre-diagnosed mental disorders. Pre-tested structured questionnaire and Edinburgh postnatal depression scale used. Score ≥ 10 indicated possible antepartum depression (APD). Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis applied using IBM SPSS version 22.0. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Prevalence of possible APD was 23.3%. It was higher among urban females (25.3%) than rural (17.7%) but the difference was not statistically significant. APD increased with increasing maternal age. Other socio-demographic and obstetric factors were not associated significantly with APD. History of recent stressful life event, domestic violence, marital conflict, lack of support from husband, and preference of male child were found to be the significant correlates. More than one out of five antenatal females had possible antepartum depression, but none had sought treatment for the same. Antenatal women of higher age and those afflicted with social pathologies are more at risk. Screening for APD should be included in the maternal and child health care programme to address this hidden 'iceberg' disease.

Rural-urban differentials in the association between sex preference for children and marital dissolution in sub-Saharan Africa.

Marital dissolution, which refers to being divorced or separated, is considered one of the most dramatic demographic events that significantly disrupt families. Unearthing the factors predicting marital dissolution would support actions to reduce the incidence of this phenomenon. The present study sought to examine the association between sex preference for children and marital dissolution segregated by place of residence. Data for the study were extracted from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Percentages were used to summarise the proportion of marital dissolution among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Binary logistic regression models were fitted to examine the association between sex preference for children and marital dissolution per place of residence. Results of the regression analysis were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence interval (CI). The overall prevalence of marital dissolution was 5.92% (95% CI: 5.83-6.00), and this ranged from 1.63% (95% CI: 1.41-1.85) in Burkina Faso to 15.62% (95% CI: 14.70-16.54) in Mozambique. In urban sub-Saharan Africa, the overall prevalence of marital dissolution was 8.88% (95% CI:8.78-8.99), with the lowest prevalence in Mali (3.30%; 95% CI: 2.91-3.69) and the highest in Uganda (18.60%; 95% CI: 17.95-19.25). For rural sub-Saharan Africa, the pooled prevalence was 4.11% (95% CI: 4.03-4.18), with the lowest (0.80%; 95% CI: 0.65-0.95) and highest (14.40%; 95% CI: 13.51-15.29) prevalences in Burkina Faso and Mozambique, respectively. Compared to women with no sex preference, the preference for boys was less likely to result in marital dissolution (aOR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.83-0.90) in both urban and rural areas, whereas the preference for girls was more likely to result in marital dissolution (aOR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.02-1.10). When the results were disaggregated by place of residence, in both urban (aOR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.80-0.95) and rural areas (aOR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.82-0.92), women who preferred boys were less likely to experience marital dissolution compared to those who had no preference. However, the preference for girls showed no statistically significant association with marital dissolution. Our study has shown that sex preference for children has a significant association with marital dissolution in both rural and urban areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas the preference for male children serves as a protective factor against marital dissolution, the preferences for females was found to increase the likelihood of marital dissolution. Thus, underscoring a need for anti-marital dissolution campaigns and initiatives to prioritise the sensitisation of society about the value of female children. Religious groups and leaders can leverage their platform to quell sex preferences and dissuade marital dissolution. Policies and programmes aimed at reducing the risk of marital dissolution in sub-Saharan Africa must also focus on enlightening the population on intimate partner violence prevention.

THE EFFECT OF GENDER ROLE ATTITUDES ON THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND CHILD GENDER PREFERENCE

Fertility is a biological phenomenon for reproduction, yet it is influenced by cultural and social values. Therefore, to examine health problems related to high fertility in a society, it is necessary to determine the fertility-related behaviors and attitudes of that society. This research was conducted to determine the effect of gender roles attitude on the number of children and child gender preference. The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 101 women who were born and had spent most of their life in Şanlıurfa, who were married and had not yet reached menopause were included in the study. The data were collected by face-to-face interview method through the Data Collection Form and the Gender Roles Attitude Scale. In the study, in terms of gender roles, 8.9% of women had a traditionalist and 91.1% of them had an egalitarian attitude. Also, it was determined that socio-cultural factors such as education, working status, family type and ethnicity affect women's attitudes towards gender role, while gender roles attitudes have an effect on the number of children and gender preferences. According to the research findings, women with traditionalist gender role attitudes had higher number of children and preference for male children.

THE EFFECT OF GENDER ROLE ATTITUDES ON THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND CHILD GENDER PREFERENCE

Fertility is a biological phenomenon for reproduction, yet it is influenced by cultural and social values. Therefore, to examine health problems related to high fertility in a society, it is necessary to determine the fertility-related behaviors and attitudes of that society. This research was conducted to determine the effect of gender roles attitude on the number of children and child gender preference. The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 101 women who were born and had spent most of their life in Şanlıurfa, who were married and had not yet reached menopause were included in the study. The data were collected by face-to-face interview method through the Data Collection Form and the Gender Roles Attitude Scale. In the study, in terms of gender roles, 8.9% of women had a traditionalist and 91.1% of them had an egalitarian attitude. Also, it was determined that socio-cultural factors such as education, working status, family type and ethnicity affect women's attitudes towards gender role, while gender roles attitudes have an effect on the number of children and gender preferences. According to the research findings, women with traditionalist gender role attitudes had higher number of children and preference for male children.

Socio-Cultural Practices and Fertility Behaviour of Rural Dwellers in Alayi, Abia State, Nigeria

This study was carried to investigate the influence of socio-cultural practice (male child preference; women marginalization and adoption of large family size) on fertility behaviour in Alayi community. Survey design was adopted for this study. Data collection was carried out using two methods (questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions-FGDs). The questionnaire consists of four sections, with twenty items arranged on four Point Likert-type formats. A pilot test of the instruments gave reliability estimates of 0.5. Using the proportional stratified and purposive sampling technique, 356 respondents were sampled from a population of 3,273 respondents across the study area. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. Results obtained indicated that there is a significant influence of male child preference, women marginalization and adoption of large family size on the fertility behaviour of Alayi people. Also, result from the socio demographic data of respondents indicates that the level of education and occupation of respondents has a far-reaching implication for large family size among the Alayi people. It is recommended among others that age of entry into marriage should be checkmated by parents and stakeholders to prevent women from falling victims of circumstances. Also, there should be an appeal for the shift in the traditional beliefs and attitudes in which people consider many children with preferences to sons and synonymous with wealth. Lastly, the existing family planning programme should be strengthened and expanded to ensure that couples and individuals have uninterrupted access to the range of contraceptive methods at affordable prices.

Pathways that determine the fertility of sedente and migrant Oraon populations of Eastern India: a structural equation modelling approach

Within local socio-ecological context, the fertility determinants of a population are mediated through complex interrelated physiological and behavioural pathways. We aimed to find out the direct and indirect determinants of fertility of sedente and migrant Oraon populations using Structural Equation Model (SEM). Bivariate analysis showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) sedente-migrant differences in socio-demographic, reproductive, contraceptive, and reproductive and sexual decision-making variables. Results of SEM showed migration status, age at first conception, contraceptive preference and reproductive and sexual decision making have direct but negative association (p ≤ 0.05), and age of the participants, under-five mortality and preference for male child have direct but positive association with fertility (p ≤ 0.05). These variables are also associated with fertility through certain mediated pathways (p ≤ 0.05) like ages at first conception with contraceptive preferences, reproductive and sexual decision-making ability (positive), under-five mortality and desired family size (negative). Educational status of the spouses showed indirect association (p ≤ 0.05) with fertility through four pathways: (i) contraceptive preferences; (ii) reproductive and sexual decision-making ability; (iii) ages at first conception (positive); and (iv) desired family size (negative). Hence, sedente and migrant participants reflected a sharp difference in the determinants of fertility owing to differential local socio-ecological attributes.

Factors Associated with Postpartum Depression among Mothers Visiting a University Hospital in Western Nepal

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a grave problem posing various complications in mothers and their children. We aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of PPD among women attending a university hospital in western Nepal. Methods: This institution based cross-sectional study enrolled 218 postpartum (&lt; 12 weeks post-delivery) mothers either admitted in the in-patient-units of Obstetrics department or visiting Immunization clinics from February to July 2020. Purposive sampling technique was used. The presence of PPD was assessed by using Nepali version of Edinburgh Post- partum Depression Scale. A face-to-face interview was conducted. Mothers with mental disorders, hearing impairment and migrants were excluded. The predictors of PPD were determined by multivariate analysis. Results: PPD affected 39% of women. Multivariate binary logistic analysis showed that PPD was associated with nuclear family (AOR: 6.74, 95% CI: 3.00-15.12), husband consuming alcohol (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.18-5.18), and preference of boy child (AOR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.32-6.50). However, planned pregnancy (AOR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11-0.47), vaginal delivery (AOR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.17-0.81), male baby (AOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16-0.68), and presence of husband throughout pregnancy (AOR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.10-0.92) were found to be negatively associated with PPD. Conclusion: The prevalence of PPD was common and was positively associated with nuclear family, male child preference and alcohol consuming husband and negatively associated with planned pregnancy, vaginal delivery, male baby, and presence of husband throughout pregnancy.

Analysis of The Influence of Socio-cultural Factors on Education of the Girl-child in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of socio-cultural factors on the girl-child education in Mubi Education Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was a causal comparative research by design. The population of the study comprised all the female students of secondary schools in the five Local Government Areas of Mubi Education Zone. From the population, four out of the five Local Government Areas of the Education Zone were sampled using balloting method of simple random sampling technique and from each; two secondary schools were also randomly selected making a total of eight schools. Then from each of the eight secondary schools, fifty female students were sampled making a total of four hundred students. Three research questions and four hypotheses were postulated for the study. A set of structured questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection where the data was analyzed using t-test statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). From the results of the findings of the study, it revealed that: socio-cultural factors contributed significantly to the influence of girl-child education in the zone; the challenges facing the girls to some extent differ between rural and urban areas; there was significant difference between the mean scores of the factors hindering the girl-child education based on religion; just to mention but a few. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that there is the need for cross cultural, interfaith and social integration as a way of encouraging parents to bring education to the doorstep of the girl-child in Nigeria; that the government and other stakeholders especially in women affairs in the study area should endeavour to constantly promote positive socio-cultural integration by preaching peaceful coexistence among people of differently socio-cultural background; and ways of creating favourable conditions which can discourage societal preference for male children and the traditional belief that the position of a woman is in the kitchen.

Perceived influence of male child preference on the social adjustment of women producing only females in Jalingo Local Government Taraba State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of male child preference on the social adjustment of women producing only females in Jalingo Local Government, Taraba State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population that was used for this study was the entire single and married female gender in Jalingo Local Government. The sample for the study which comprised ninety (90) females and ninety (90) female producing women making 180 respondents altogether were randomly selected from educational centres, recreational centres, as well as marketplaces within the Local Government. The instrument that was used for data collection was a self-designed instrument titled “Male Child Syndrome on Female social Adjustment Questionnaire (MCPSAQ)”. Cronbach's Alpha reliability test was used to determine the reliability coefficient. The reliability result of .996 shows that the instrument was reliable for data collection. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings showed that male child preference negatively influences the social adjustment of female producing women in Jalingo Local Government. It was therefore recommended among others that government and non-governmental organizations should mount a serious campaign against the practice of male child syndrome using jingles, public enlightenment, and the declaration of an international day for female producing women.

Quantifying and Evaluating Male Child Preference in Pakistan

ABSTRACT Preference for male over female children is entrenched in many Asian and African countries. This can result in premature mortality of female babies, an increase in the number of young unmarried males, an excalation in violence, antisocial behavior and frustration due to a lack of females. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of desire for male children among the general population of parents in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Karachi public sector hospital with 300 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data was analyzed using statistical software and the chi-square test and logistic regression was used to determine the outcome variable and associated risk factors. Of the 300 participants, 53.3 percent of study participants were in the age group of 18–30 years. The preference for male and female children was 37.5 percent and 23.9 percent, respectively. The overall son preference index was 1.94; showing a strong preference toward sons. After adjustment of covariates, the age group of 18–30 years and those of lower and middle socioeconomic class significantly preferred male over female children. Participants in general showed interest in both male and female children, but there was a stronger desire for a male child, showing a deeply rooted cultural mindset. The approach of parents towards females should be changed in order to eliminate existing omnipresent discrimination against female children. Keywords: Male child prevalence, Male child desire, Female child, inequality.

Learning to Value Girls: Balanced Infant Sex Ratios at Higher Parental Education in the United States, 1969-2018.

Infant sex ratios that differ from the biological norm provide a measure of gender status inequality that is not susceptible to social desirability bias. Ratios may become less biased with educational expansion through reduced preference for male children. Alternatively, bias could increase with education through more access to sex-selective medical technologies. Using National Vital Statistics data on the population of live births in the United States for 1969-2018, we examine trends in infant sex ratios by parental race/ethnicity, education, and birth parity over five decades. We find son-biased infant sex ratios among Chinese and Asian Indian births that have persisted in recent years, and regressions suggest son-biased ratios among births to Filipino and Japanese mothers with less than a high school education. Infant sex ratios are more balanced at higher levels of maternal education, particularly when both parents are college educated. Results suggest greater equality of gender status with higher education in the United States.

Population control bill of Uttar Pradesh (two-child norm): An answer to population explosion or birth of a new social problem?

Recently, the Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) unveiled a draft bill of the UP Population Policy (2021-2030) on World Population Day to bring down the gross fertility rate and stabilization of the population. The history of the two-child norm in India has shown that different state governments had tried to implement it at different timelines during the past 20 years. Global evidence suggests that Vietnam and Bangladesh have stabilized their population and control birth rate despite not having two-child policies. Moreover, sex-selective abortion, preference for male children, denying the paternity of female children, pre-natal sex determination, and violence against women for giving birth to girl children will be on rise. Female literacy, empowerment, and addressing unmet needs of contraceptives are the time-tested solutions for population control rather than raising a new social problem with a "two-child policy" bill/act.

Bondage of being born female in selected African literary texts

Many women have been victims of underage marriage, forced marriage, proxy marriage, levirate marriage, denial of education and the ignominy of male-child favouritism. These unwholesome practices have hampered the utilisation of the intellectual endowment of women, and have subjected them to untold trauma and deprivation. These plights are reflected in some female-authored works, and works by men who empathise with women. This study is an exegesis of selected African literary texts discountenancing the highlighted antiquated practices, within the ambit of feminist literary theory, with a view to explicating how the practices can be jettisoned. It is rendered in the course of the exegesis that under-age marriage, forced marriage and levirate marriage are still rampant in Africa; and also that male-child preference remains a phenomenon in the continent. The conclusion arrived at in the study is that no gender is superior to another. Marriage is a matter of choice, preference and mutual agreement between would-be spouses. It should not be imposed on anyone nor should anyone be forced into it. Rather than putting women in bondage, cultural practices which unburden their plights should be encouraged.