PERCEPTION AND DISPOSITION TOWARDS CHILD SEX PREFERENCE IN MARRIAGE AMONG MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENTS UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, IBADAN NIGERIA

Abstract

Globally, sex preference for children has been a prominent issue in demographic work because of its potential negative social and demographic implications. The phenomenon of male child preference is not new and it has in fact existed from time immemorial, males have been given preference over female children. Females have suffered degradation and dehumanization through the ages. In many societies including Nigeria, the birth of a baby boy is received with great joy; the rites are more elaborate and the mother receives huge compliments for giving birth to a male child. The father enjoys great pride and respect with the assurance of the protection of his assets and continuity of the family line. Conducting this study among this population will therefore serve to inform the necessary stakeholders on how to better equip students with adequate information on gender equality and also serve as role models for people in the society. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study using validated semi- structured self-administered questionnaire and a focus group discussion guide. A total sample of 248 consenting MPH students from all the departments participated in the study. A 20-point perception scale was used to assess the perception on child’s sex preference; perception score of ≥10 was rated good while < 10 was rated poor perception. Also, a 20-point disposition scale was used to determine the disposition towards child’s sex preference; disposition score of ≥10 was rated good while < 10 was rated poor disposition. Factors influencing child sex preference and perceived health risk of child sex preference were also established. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p<0.05 level of significance. Age of respondents was 26.7±4.4 years. Majority were females (62.5%) Christians (85.9%), Yoruba (77.0%) and unmarried (81.9%). The highest number of children was 8 while few said they wanted none. Respondents have good perception and disposition towards child sex preference (92.7% and 84.3% respectively). Majority (77.0%) of the respondents reported that they wanted a male child to make their parents happy as one of the factors influencing their child preference. The perceived health risk associated with child sex preference is sex-selective abortion (85.1%), neglect of undesired child (86.3%), postnatal depression (89.1%) among others. There was a significant association between marital status and disposition of respondents towards child sex preference in marriage. Good perception and disposition towards child sex preference in marriage were documented among the study population. This depict that they are non-preferential towards child sex in marriage. Public campaign, advocacy and policy formulation can be used to improve the perception and disposition towards child sex preference in the society. Also, the participants should be encouraged to impart their society.