Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined gender differences in food literacy and assessed gender-based responsibility for food-related tasks and satisfaction with how these tasks are shared in the household. Data were collected through the NutriQuébec project, a web-based cohort in Quebec, Canada. Food literacy was measured using the Cooking and Food Provisioning Action Scale (CAFPAS), which includes three subscales: self-efficacy, attitude, and structure. Other questions assessed the participants’ level of responsibility for food-related tasks and their satisfaction with how these tasks are shared in the household. A total of 1,060 women and 143 men completed the questionnaires. Women showed a higher level of food literacy than men, especially for the self-efficacy and attitude subscales. Significant interactions were observed for age and family context, with gender differences in food literacy observed among older participants and among couples without children. While women reported higher levels of responsibility than men for planning meals, selecting foods, and preparing meals, the level of satisfaction with how food-related tasks are shared in the household did not differ by gender. On the other hand, women in couples without children or who are retired were more satisfied with task sharing than women in couples with children or who work full-time. Finally, the level of dissatisfaction with the division of household food-related tasks was negatively associated with a higher level of responsibility only among women. Overall, these findings highlight important gender differences in food literacy and responsibility for food-related tasks, consistent with gender roles and social expectations in Western societies.