The influence of gender stereotypes on eating habits among Costa Rican adolescents.

PURPOSE: To identify the influence of gender stereotypes on eating habits among Costa Rican adolescents. DESIGN: Qualitative, descriptive research was used in this study. SETTING: Adolescents and parents were recruited from socioeconomically diverse populations in rural and urban areas of San José, Costa Rica. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 92 adolescents (14 to 17 years old) and 48 parents. METHODS: Focus group data were transcribed and entered into the qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti version 5.0. Analyses were grounded on the social cognitive theory. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the focus group discussions: (1) Costa Rican adolescents associate the consumption of moderate quantities of healthy foods with femininity and male homosexuality. (2) The consumption of hearty portions of nonhealthy foods was associated with masculinity and male heterosexuality. (3) There is an emerging view that it is acceptable for heterosexual male adolescents to take care of their bodies through healthy eating. (4) Body care among female adolescents is an element of femininity and body image. (5) Parents reinforce their daughters' persistent concern with weight control because they perceive it as feminine behavior. CONCLUSION: Health promoters should be aware of the existing and changing food stereotypes around gender as an avenue for the promotion of healthy eating.