SEX RATIO AT BIRTH AND FACTORS AFFECTING SON PREFERENCE OF COUPLES IN HIEP DUC DISTRICT, QUANG NAM PROVINCE, 2014
Objective: To define sex ratio at birth and to identify factors affecting son preference of couples at study area. Material and Method: This was a cross sectional study. Primary data was collected by directly interviewing 620 mothers who have baby from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 on the basis of a structured questionnaire. Secondary data was received from documents recording number of babies who were born and still live in the study setting during the study time. Multiple logistic regression model was used to identify factors influencing son preference of the couples. Results: The sex ratio at birth in Hiep Duc district was 113.3/100. Factors affecting son preference of the couple were residence place (OR=2.91; 95% CI: 1.137.52); economic situation of household (OR=2.64; 95% CI: 1.23-5.66) and community pressure (OR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.15-4.12). Conclusion: There is the imbalance of sex ratio at birth in Hiep Duc district in 2014. It should be strengthened the propaganda and advocacy in the community to raise the awareness on gender equality and integrate this content into the local socio-economic development plan. Key words: sex ratio at birth, the imbalance of sex ration at birth, Quang Nam