Gendered Food Environments: Differences in Food Availability and Perceptions Among Malaysian University Students

Abstract

This paper investigates gender-based differences in food availability and perceptions of the food environment among university students. The study draws a cross-sectional survey conducted among 397 students at UiTM Dungun, Terengganu, Malaysia, and explores how male and female students differ in their access to healthy outlets, availability of nutritious snacks, exposure to unhealthy advertising, and perceptions of institutional nutrition information. Chi-square analysis revealed significant gender differences: female students reported easier access to healthy food outlets (²=18.739, =.003) and greater availability of healthy snacks (²=18.739, <.001), while male students experienced more exposure to unhealthy food advertisements (²=11.819, =.019), Females also perceived stringer institutional nutrition information (²=7.012, =.008). The findings underline the necessity of gender-sensitive food policies that consider the unique challenges faced by both groups. The paper contributes to the literature by contextualizing gendered food environments in Malaysia and offering policy recommendations to foster healthier eating practices in university settings.