Dietary Pattern and Food Consumption among Kermanshah Households, 2011

Background & Aims: Identification of dietary patterns and food groups' consumption can be beneficial in improving public health. This study aimed to evaluate the daily dietary pattern of households in Kermanshah, 2011. Methods: A total of 500 households in Kermanshah/Iran were selected through multi-stage clustersampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and through face to face interview. Regression and X 2 tests were applied for statistical analysis. Results: In whole, 477 households with mean family size of 4.3±1.5 person completed the study. Consumption of vegetables in 78%, fruits in 23.3%, meat in 34.7%, dairy products in 44% and grains in 25% of families were less than the recommended levels in food guide pyramid. Consumption of dairy products showed a significant positive correlation with socio-economic statues (P=0.009) and educational level of the father of family (p<0.01). Furthermore, significant correlation was seen between fruits consumption and parents educational level (p=0.002). In general, consumption of one or more food groups was less than the dietary guide line level in 40% of households, while it was acceptable in 44% and was more than the recommended level in 16% of households. Conclusion: In Spite of all efforts for modifying dietary pattern, there is still a big gap between guidelines and national dietary habits. Increasing public nutritional knowledge in regard to healthy eating is necessary and highly recommended.