Abstract

With the increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular disease and the growing obesity epidemic, the need to increase nutritional literacy amongst the general public is paramount. Men tend to lack a strong base of nutritional knowledge. Masculinity is one of the factors preventing many men from making good nutritional choices.

The aim of this study was to investigate hegemonic masculinity in relation to current level of nutritional knowledge as well as perceptions and attitudes regarding dietary behaviors and intention to eat a healthy diet among a sample of males. A convenience sample of males 18+ (n=87) was categorized according to hegemonic masculinity level by the Masculine Role Inventory. An amended survey gathered information regarding nutritional knowledge level. An original survey gathered information on confidence in one’s nutritional knowledge, intention to eat healthier, and motivation to expand nutritional knowledge. Analyses examined the association between hegemonic masculinity and nutritional knowledge, confidence in nutritional knowledge, intention to change dietary behavior and motivation to learn new nutritional knowledge. No significant association was found between hegemonic masculinity level and nutritional knowledge, confidence, intention, or motivation. The null results can be attributed to the low hegemonic status of the majority of participants. Analyses also examined the relationship between actual nutritional knowledge and confidence in nutritional knowledge. A positive association between higher confidence level and greater nutrition knowledge was found to be significant, p < 0.006. A positive association between higher confidence level and higher levels of motivation to learn new nutritional information was also found to be significant, p < 0.000. The results of this study suggest that an increased level of confidence in nutritional knowledge may be necessary to encourage accumulation of new nutritional knowledge.

Thesis Completion

2016

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Rovito, Michael J.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Department

Health Professions

Degree Program

Health Sciences Pre-Clinical Track

Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

May 2016

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