Examining the Relationship Between Household Composition and Consumption of Food Groups and Nutrient Rich Food Index in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: Household member composition, such as the presence of children, can influence food consumption patterns. In addition, household economic conditions, such as income, play an important role in determining diet quality. This study examines the relationship between household composition, food group consumption, and the Nutrient Rich Food Index.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study used national data on food expenditure of urban Iranian households from 2020 to 2022, with a sample of 54,292 households. The tools included the Nutrient Rich Food Index and the Diet Quality Index. For data analysis, SPSS software and statistical tests (independent t-test, Mann–Whitney, chi-square, and regression) were used. The study was conducted in two phases: first, data collection; second, investigation of the relationship between household composition, food group consumption, and diet quality.
Results: In this study, dietary data from 54,292 households with mean age of 38.33±16.69 years were analyzed. Results showed that households in higher economic classes consumed more fruits (223.86±191.60 g, p<0.001) and dairy (182.00±145.87 g, p<0.001). With increasing household age, calorie intake from vegetables increased, while that from fats and sugars decreased (p<0.001). Also, consumption of healthy food groups was positively associated with the Nutrient Rich Food Index (26.70±2.30, p<0.001) and the Diet Quality Index (70.15±7.94, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Dietary patterns in Iran are influenced by socioeconomic factors and household composition. Specifically, higher age and income levels are associated with greater consumption of nutrient-dense foods and lower intake of unhealthy foods. Therefore, it is essential to consider these differences in nutritional policy making.
Keywords

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