Recent Increase in Sex Ratio at Birth in Viet Nam
2009

Recent Increase in Sex Ratio at Birth in Viet Nam

Sample size: 450000 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Guilmoto Christophe Z., Hoàng Xuyên, Ngo Van Toan

Primary Institution: CEPED (Université Paris Descartes Ined IRD), Paris, France

Hypothesis

The study aims to ascertain the situation with respect to sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam over the past five years.

Conclusion

The study finds that the sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam has increased significantly, indicating a trend towards selective abortions based on gender preference.

Supporting Evidence

  • The sex ratio at birth in Viet Nam has increased from 105 in 2001 to 112 in 2006.
  • High sex ratios are linked to factors such as access to modern health care and prenatal sex determination.
  • Surveys indicate that the preference for sons is driving the increase in sex ratio at birth.

Takeaway

In Viet Nam, more boys are being born than girls, which might be because some parents prefer having sons and are using technology to find out the baby's gender before birth.

Methodology

The study used data from population surveys and birth surveys conducted by the General Statistics Office in Viet Nam, analyzing trends in sex ratio at birth.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the reliance on self-reported data and the possibility of misreporting in birth statistics.

Limitations

The sample size may still be too small for detailed analysis of regional variations, and available variables recorded in the survey are limited and of varying quality.

Participant Demographics

The study analyzed data from women aged 15-49 across various regions in Viet Nam.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

±3.5

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004624

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