Attitudes of graduating medical doctors toward using sex selection techniques in Jordan in 2009

Perceptions towards sex selection among Jordanian population: A survey study

Sex selection is becoming a more common practice in the society and worldwide. The current study aimed to examine the perceptions about sex selection options and possible association with sociodemographic factors and relevant characteristics. The study was a cross-sectional survey of adults in Jordan in January and February 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire. Results showed that 40.1% of respondents preferred male gender when having a child, 22.4% of respondents preferred the male gender when having a child, even if they have had children of both genders, and 71.3% preferred having children from both genders. On the other hand, 58.8% of participants preferred a male gender when there is one chance to conceive via assisted reproduction technologies. Also, among participants, 66% thought that sex selection is religiously acceptable, yet 78.0% did not support of the sex selection idea. The above factors were significantly associated with several sociodemographic variables such as gender, marital status, education, career, and place of residence, but not income. In conclusion, the current study shed a light on preferences towards sex selection in a large cohort to better understand the perception and attitude of the population towards this practice.

Characteristics of women visiting an infertility clinic and their interest in preimplantation sex selection in the north of Jordan

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics of women attending a fertility clinic for infertility treatment and to determine their interest in the use of preconception sex selection and its associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among women who presented to the fertility clinic in the IVF center for infertility treatment. A total of 335 women were included in the study and interviewed using the study questionnaire, which included information on patients' demographics, obstetric and infertility history, child gender preference, and interest in preconception sex selection.

RESULTS

A total of 155 (46.3%) women had primary infertility and 180 (53.7%) had secondary infertility. While preference for a boy was reported by 50 (14.9%) participants and preference for a girl was reported by seven (2.1%), the majority of women (83.0%) had no preference for gender. A total of 59 (17.6%) women showed an interest in using preconception sex selection. In the multivariate analysis, women who preferred a boy were more likely to be interested in preconception sex selection (OR=3.52) compared to women who had no preference for gender. Trying to conceive for ≥2 years was associated with an 80% increase in the odds of being interested in preconception sex selection.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of women (83.0%) had no gender preference. Less than one fifth of women (17.6%) showed an interest in using assisted method for sex selection. Preference for a boy and trying to conceive for ≥2 years were significantly associated with increased odds of being interested in using preconception sex selection.