School of Health Sciences

Gender concepts and nutrition in childhood

Gender concepts and nutrition in childhood (GeNI) is the first Swiss research project on gender-specific and intersectional dimensions of nutrition in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17. It contributes to optimised gender-sensitive health promotion, prevention, education, communication and healthcare.

Background

In Switzerland, despite a significant reduction, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents (C+A) is still high. And a high number of otherwise healthy children and adolescents are affected by sub-threshold unhealthy dietary behaviors and the long-term consequences on health and health systems; as dietary behavior established in children and adolescents can be carried on into adulthood and increase risks of non-communicable diseases later in life. Nutrition greatly influences the burden of diseases and all-cause mortality. While gendered dietary patterns have been described for adults, little research has been conducted on gendered «nutrition» in children and adolescents.

GeNI is the first Swiss research project on gendered and intersectional dimensions of nutrition in children and adolescents (C+A) aged 6-17 years. It contributes to optimized sex- and gender-sensitive health promotion, prevention, education, communication, and health care.

Objectives

The main objective is to describe gender-specific dietary patterns and improve understanding of gender-specific concepts of nutrition.

Method

Gender concepts and Nutrition In childhood (GeNI) follows a convergent mixed-methods design, which is characterised by two separate quantitative and qualitative data sets and their integration in a subsequent step.

In the first part (work package WP1, quantitative), existing data from the menuCH Kids study will be used to examine gender-specific differences in an intersectional manner.

In the second part (work package WP2, qualitative), focus group discussions are held with children and adolescents and their parents or caregivers to explore the gender- e dimensions of nutrition in children and adolescents.

The results from work package WP1 and work package WP2 will then be combined (work package WP3) and interpreted in order to develop specific intersectional practice and policy recommendations. This will be done in collaboration with the implementation partners in order to achieve a better understanding, develop practical recommendations and create communication tools.

Registration for study participation

Results

Initial results (work package WP1) are expected to be published on this page from 2026 onwards.

Project organisation

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