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

transition to independent living. Convenience, affordability, and time constraints often drive food choices,

leading to increased reliance on fast food and processed items. This situation is concerning because it coincides

with the formative years of adulthood, during which eating habits are established and carried into later life with

the increased risks of obesity and metabolic disorders [3],[4] .

Gender plays a significant role in dietary behavior. Research has consistently demonstrated that female students

tend to exhibit greater nutritional awareness and are more likely to seek healthier options, while male students

are often associated with higher consumption of calorie-dense and convenience foods [1],[2]. These differences

stem from cultural expectations, socialization process, and targeted marketing practices that reinforce distinct

food-related identities for men and women.

In Malaysia, the issue of student nutrition is compounded by the rapid growth of fast-food outlets and limited

institutions. Previous research has tended to focus on overall nutritional knowledge or general access issues

without disaggregating by gender, thus overlooking an important explanatory factor in student health outcomes

[9],[13].

This study addresses this gap by investigating gender differences in food availability and perceptions of the food

environment among UiTM Dungun students. By highlighting disparities in snack availability, exposure to

unhealthy advertising, and perceptions of institutional nutrition information, this paper aims to provide evidence

for designing gender-sensitive interventions [5],[6],[7] that align with both educational and public health

priorities.

Gender differences in food choices have been widely documented across cultures. Sobal [1] explains that cultural

when offered.

Research on campus food environments has disparities in access. Horacek et al. [5] observed that female students

often reported greater awareness of healthy food outlets near universities, while male students tended to rely

more on fast food due to convenience. Such findings align with the global trends [13] but require

contextualization in Malaysia settings.

Social norms and peer influence also shape gendered dietary behaviors. Male students may feel social pressure

to conform to unhealthy eating patterns such as frequenting fast-food outlets, while female student may face

expectations to maintain body image trough healthier food practices [4],[23]. These cultural pressures reinforce

gender-based consumption patterns.

Advertising plays a pivotal role in shaping dietary choices, often targeting males with promotions for energy-

dense and unhealthy foods. Boyland et al. [7] demonstrated that male students are more susceptible to unhealthy

in Malaysia remain limited. Previous work has often treated university students as homogeneous groups,

neglecting gendered perspectives. This study contributes to filling this gap by examining male and female

experiences in food availability and perceptions of the campus environment at UiTM Dungun [25],[26].

This study utilized a cross-sectional survey design conducted among UiTM Dungun students, with a total of 397

participants selected through stratified random sampling. The questionnaire included items measuring food

availability (access to healthy outlets and nutritious snacks) and the food environment (exposure to unhealthy

advertising and perceptions of institutional nutrition information). Responses were measured using Likert scale.

Reliability was confirmed in pilot testing (α=.743). Data analysis using SPSS v27, with Chi-square tests

employed to identify significant gender differences. This design is justified because it enables the identification

profile of the respondents. As in Table 1, the study included 397 UiTM Dungun students, of whom 68.3%

(n=126) were male. Most respondents (91.7%) resided in on-campus college accommodation, while only 8.3%

lived off-campus. In terms of age distribution, 40.8% were between 18-19 years, 46.6% between 20-21 years,

and 12.6% between 22-24 years. With respect to the year of study, 37.0% were in their first year, 42.6% in their

diversity strengthens the validity of the findings by ensuring that the results accurately reflect the broader UiTM

Dungun student population.

The Chi-square analysis revealed significant gender differences in both food availability and the food

environment. Female students reported easier access to healthy food outlets (²=11.543, p=.003) and greater

availability of nutritious snacks (²=18.739, p<.001). In contrast, male students reported significantly higher

exposure to unhealthy food advertisements (²=11.819, p=.019). Female students also perceived stringer

institutional nutrition information (²=7.012, p=.008) [5][7][8]. Other variables such as overall access to

nutritious food and satisfaction with food variety did not significantly across gender, as all stated in Table II and

Table III.

Table I Demographic Profile

Note: *p<.05 indicates statistically significant

Table III Gender Differences in Food Environment

Note: *p<.05 indicates statistically significant

The findings affirm that significantly influences students’ interaction with campus food environments. Female

students’ greater access to health outlets and snacks demonstrates not only structural availability but also

heightened awareness and demand for nutritious options. This support earlier claims that women tend to be more

health-conscious in the food practices [2],[6].

Conversely, male students’ greater exposure to unhealthy advertising reveals how targeted marketing strategies

exploit gendered preferences. Studies have shown that men are more likely to respond to promotions for fast

food and energy-dense items [7][8][25]. This aligns with our findings and underscores need for stricter

Expanding the research across multiple campuses in different regions in Malaysia would further enhance

generalizability and allow comparisons across diverse institutional and cultural contexts. Collectively, the future

directions will strengthen the evidence base for developing inclusive, data-driven strategies to promote healthy

eating among university populations.

The authors would like to express their gratitude to University Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for providing the

45 (3), 276–284.

WHO.

495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.10.008

89–98.

https://doi.org/10.2174/1573399813666170606103306