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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.

Initial situation

In Switzerland, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents (C+A) remains high despite a significant decline. A large number of otherwise healthy children and adolescents are affected by subclinical unhealthy eating habits and their long-term consequences for health and health systems. This is because the eating habits established in children and adolescents can continue into adulthood and increase the risk of non-communicable diseases later in life. Diet has a major impact on disease burden and overall mortality. While gender-specific dietary patterns have been described in adults, there are few studies on gender-specific nutrition in children and adolescents.

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.

Objective

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

Method and approach

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.

Results

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

Project organisation