Publication:

Knowledge and attitude of men towards sex determination and PCPNDT act in the field practice area of a medical college in coastal Karnataka

Background Usage of modern sophisticated diagnostic techniques for sex determination and preconception sex selection has been attributed to sex selective abortions and thus, may be a major contributor in decline of sex ratio.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst married male patients attending OPDs of Rural Health Centres of K S Hegde Medical Academy over a period of 3 months (July 2016–September 2016) using a semi-structured and validated questionnaire which contained information on demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude of married men towards sex determination and PCPNDT act. Sample size: 200. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results Among 200 married men, about 62% of the illiterate knew about sex determination, whereas awareness among college passed out and graduates were 95% and 85% respectively. Awareness about PCPNDT act was 42% in graduates whereas none of the illiterates were aware and 60% of the subject thought sex determination should be punishable. 45% of them did not have any gender preference.

Conclusions This study shows that the knowledge and attitude of participants was better with a higher educational status. Thus, the illiterate part of society needs more awareness about the sex determination and PCPNDT act.