Sociocultural Factors Determining the Reproductive Behavior of Nomads: A Case Study of District Bhakkar

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate nomad's reproductive behavior and identify the key determining sociocultural factors. A cross-sectional investigation was carried out using a quantitative methodology. Data was gathered in three tehsils of district Bhakkar through Purposive sampling technique. The sample size was 105. The statistical results show r² = 68.8, the majority of nomads indicated that son preference is highly widespread in their groups and that trends of early marriages are a part of their unique culture. Their females were confronting unwanted pregnancies due to customary views. Large numbers of nomads concur that socio-cultural variables determine their reproductive behavior. The hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between sociocultural factors and the reproductive behavior of nomads is supported by the correlation result of 0.830** with a significant value of 0.00. This indicates a strong positive correlation between sociocultural factors and the reproductive behavior of nomads. The regression results provide support for the hypothesis that there is a positive effect of socio-cultural factors on reproductive behavior among nomads. The sociocultural factors that determine the reproductive behavior of nomads are as follows traditional beliefs, early marriages, forced marriages, unplanned pregnancy, son preference, fertility preference, unsafe abortion, sex without marriages and influence of suppose on childbearing. The study highlights the importance of sociocultural factors in determining the reproductive behavior of nomads in District Bhakkar. The desire for male children, cultural beliefs about the value of fertility, limited access to modern contraceptive methods, and traditional gender roles are among the factors that contribute to high fertility rates among nomads. This study provides valuable insights into the reproductive behavior of nomads and can inform policies and programs aimed at improving their reproductive health and well-being.