Gender and Nutrition In childhood (GeNI)
The project investigates gender-specific differences in the dietary habits of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17. During this phase, gender-specific norms, behaviours and dietary patterns can emerge that persist into adulthood.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Health Professions
- Institute(s) Nutrition and Dietetics
- Funding organisation SNSF
- Duration (planned) 01.08.2025 - 31.12.2029
- Head of project Prof. Dr. Tamara Bucher
- Project staff Katja Uhlmann
-
Partner
ZHAW
Università della Svizzera Italiana
Universität Zürich
KInderspital Zentralschweiz - Keywords Nutrition, dietary patterns, gender, children, adolescents, mixed methods
Situation
Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable, and eating habits formed during this phase of life can continue into adulthood. In Switzerland, 15.3% of children and adolescents are overweight and 5.9% are obese. Puberty is also a sensitive phase of gender identification. Studies with adults show gender-specific differences in eating patterns. However, little is known about how such differences manifest in childhood and adolescence and how they change over the course of these developmental phases. No data on this is currently available for Switzerland. The aim of the project is to identify gender-specific eating patterns and concepts in children and adolescents and to investigate related factors (e.g., socioeconomic or cultural factors).
Course of action
The project is divided into three parts and follows a mixed-methods approach. It is being carried out in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), the Università della Svizzera italiana, the University of Zurich, and the Children's Hospital of Central Switzerland. In a first step, a quantitative secondary analysis will examine gender- and age-specific eating patterns of children and adolescents using the menuCH-Kids dataset. Subsequently, semi-structured focus group interviews will be conducted with children and adolescents to identify gender-specific concepts in eating behavior. The results of the quantitative secondary analysis and the qualitative focus group interviews will then be combined to gain a deeper understanding of the eating habits of children and adolescents in Switzerland.
Looking ahead
The findings can be used to develop targeted prevention strategies aimed at promoting balanced eating habits and reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases in adulthood. The results are to be implemented in practice, for example with brochures and information materials tailored to multipliers (e.g., pediatricians, teachers) as well as parents and children.
