Indian Journal of Social Psychiatry | 2019
Knowledge and attitude regarding declining sex ratio and female feticide among married females (15–49 years) residing in a village in Shahpur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Abstract
Background: Female feticide and sex selective abortion are common in today s scenario of two-child norm. Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of married females residing in rural area of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, toward declining sex ratio and female feticide prevalent in the society. Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted on married females aged 15–49 years residing after their marriage in a village of health block Shahpur, Kangra. Of 350 households from the village, 106 were covered in the given time period. Systematic random sampling was used to select households. The youngest married female from the household who has recently given birth to a child was selected. A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic details of the family and knowledge and attitude questions was used. Results: One-third heard about declining female-to-male ratio. Killing of fetuses was known to 84% of female respondents. Only 24.5% were aware about law related to abortion and prenatal sex determination. The reason for decreasing sex ratio was quoted as preference for a male heir (62.3%). Around 60% of females have been harassed by a male and 48.1% have at least once felt not to have a female child. The attitude toward consequences of declining sex ratio was neutral among the females. Conclusion: The consequences of low sex ratio are liable to damage our social and economic fabric beyond repair. Solution needs to be tailored in the social context of country.