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Sex preference and contraceptive norms among regions in Bangladesh
Authors: L A Kawsar; Ahmad Kabir; M A Islam
Source: International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 29(2):183-97. doi: 10.2190/IQ.29.2.f.
Topic(s): Contraception
Sex preference
Son preference
Country: Asia
  Bangladesh
Published: FEB 2008
Abstract: Using data derived from the 2004 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS, 2004) the present study examines the effect of sex preference on contraceptive use among different regions in Bangladesh. The study also investigates the impact of some selected socio-economic and demographic variables on the use of contraceptive methods. The result shows that sex preference has a significant effect on the use of contraceptive methods. The families who have one child of each sex are most satisfied with their current family composition. The result reveals a huge unmet need for contraception in the eastern part of Bangladesh. The study confirms that sex preference may be a constraint in the acceptance of contraceptive methods in Bangladesh. The demand for large families and sex preference can be reduced through affirmative social and economic policies. It was also observed that female education has a positive effect on contraceptive use among almost all regions.