A Study on the Attitudes and Perceptions of Medical Professionals and Nonmedical Professionals toward “DINK Couples”: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: The rise of double-income no kids (DINK) households represents a noteworthy reversal from historical norms, where marriage was closely tied to starting a family. However, there has been a dramatic increase in couples who opt out of parenthood entirely. Several interlocking economic and social factors have driven the increase in voluntary childlessness. This study was done to assess differences in attitudes and perceptions among medical and nonmedical professionals toward “DINK couples.” Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional single-centered study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital wherein 20 medical and 20 nonmedical professionals were interviewed after obtaining their informed consent. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess their attitudes and perception toward DINK couples. Data collected were entered in an excel sheet and subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using SPSS software. Results: The mean age in both groups were comparable (medicos’: 32.30 ± 9.30, 24–54 years and nonmedicos: 33.55 ± 10.14, 23–55). Ninety percent of the study population was aware of this concept and regarded it as a novel and emerging concept. In advantages of being DINK, maximum participants felt it gave more financial freedom, lesser familial responsibilities, but disadvantages included a lack of progeny and feelings of loneliness. Not many participants were willing to practice themselves as DINK couples. Conclusions: No significant difference in attitudes and perception was found among medical and nonmedical professionals, and both had a similar kind of thinking regarding DINK couples. Furthermore, they felt it was a concept which will gain more acceptability by society in the future times to come.