Perception and Determinants of Gender Preference among Men in Isoko South Local Government Council, Oleh, Delta State

Introduction: Some couples do not have the gender of children they prefer which could result in physical, psychological, sexual, obstetric and several other consequences. The present study was conducted among men to determine their perception of gender preference and factors responsible for their gender preference.

Objective: To assess the perception of gender preference and factors responsible for gender preference among men.

Methods: A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 143 out of 221 male Civil Servants from nine (9) different departments. The instrument used for data collection was a self-developed Questionnaire on Perception and Determinants of Gender Preference (QPDGP). The reliability of the instrument was established through the test-retest method using Cronbach’s alpha which yielded co-efficient of 0.82. Data collected were summarized using frequencies and percentages.

Results: The results showed that 90 (62.9%) men preferred male gender. For 79 (55.2%) men, the choice of gender was aimed at psychological satisfaction in marriage. Also, 77 (53.8%) preferred male children because they had better initiative, were easier to train 101 (70.6%), to allow for security of family inheritance 142 (99.3%) and continuity of family name 141 (98.6%). Some reasons given for female child preference were better ability to take care of younger ones 99 (69.2%), more supportive to aged parents 115 (80.4%) and being a reliable emotional support 88 (61.5%).

Conclusion: Male gender preference is strongly perceived among the men. It was recommended that reproductive health services be modified to allow male involvement.