Gender Disparities in Parental Awareness and Implementation of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines In Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

In a world where dietary choices play a crucial role in health outcomes, understanding who influences these decisions and in what ways is more important than ever. In Sri Lanka, non-communicable diseases account for 83% of all deaths, with poor dietary habits being a key modifiable risk factor. To address this, Sri Lanka introduced Food-Based Dietary Guidelines to improve public dietary practices. This study examines gender disparities in parental awareness and implementation of Dietary Guidelines through a random sample of 252 parents in the Colombo District. Data were collected using a self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire covering perceptions of Dietary Guidelines, community involvement, and social support. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-tests were used to analyze gender differences in awareness and dietary practices. The results revealed significant gender differences in educational attainment, with females achieving higher levels. Females also demonstrated greater awareness of dietary guidelines, particularly regarding daily nut consumption and limiting salty foods. Notable gender differences were observed in sleep practices, with one gender reporting better adherence to recommended sleep duration. However, no significant differences were found in household income, age distribution, or overall dietary practice scores, suggesting economic and behavioral parity in several areas. These findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive health education programs to address gaps in dietary awareness and promote better adherence to FBDGs, particularly among males. Future research should investigate the cultural and lifestyle factors influencing these gender differences to design more effective public health interventions. This study underscores the importance of tailoring nutrition education to gender-specific needs while promoting equitable health practices across populations.