Factors affecting sex ratio at birth in Nepal: Evidence from the demographic health survey 2006

Strong son preference which has been a common demographic phenomenon in most of the developing countries could imbalance sex composition of population by altering sex ratio at birth. This has been the center of focus in Nepal after legalization of abortion in 2002. Anecdotal information points to the existence of pre-natal sex selection. Assessment of sex ratio at birth in 1991 and 2001 censuses showed more male than female babies born in many districts in Southern plains. Logistic Regression analysis of NDHS 2006 data on births of order 2 and higher results show that socioeconomic factors have no statistically significant effects. Interaction effects of birth order and number of living sons have emerged as most powerful predictors. Findings signify the tendency towards pre-natal sex selection and sex selective abortion. Such behaviour of demographic masculinization would have far reaching demographic consequence including the problem of marriage squeeze in Nepal in future.