A descriptive Study on the Sex Ratio at Birth in Institutional Deliveries at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India 1219-1223
Correspondence
Sanjeev Kumar Gupta
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine,
Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute,
Cuddalore Main Road, Pillaiyarkuppam Pondicherry, India.
Ph. : Mobile: +91-7639656802, +91-7639656801
Fax : +91-4132615457
Email : drsanjeev15@gmail.com
Background and Objectives: The sex ratio at birth and the sex ratio in the population should remain constant without manipulation. However, several parts of the world, particularly some Asian countries including India, have shown a low sex ratio at birth due to the preference for a son and due to sex selective abortion. The objectives of our study were, to find out the sex ratio at birth in institutional deliveries and the factors which were associated with a low sex ratio.
Methods and Material: In the present study, the secondary sex ratio was analyzed from the birth records of all the deliveries which were conducted at the Medical College Hospital and Elgin Hospital, Jabalpur, during the period from January 1st 2008 to December 31st 2008.
Results: During the study period, 5967 institutional deliveries took place, of which 2807 were female births, thus giving an overall sex ratio of 888.
Conclusion: In our study, a trend towards a higher sex ratio was seen with a higher educational status. The sex ratio was lower in the rural population and it decreased with parity.