Analyzing Food Consumption Patterns in Rural Areas of Iran: Identifying Provinces with Standard and Homogeneous Consumption

Investigating food consumption patterns in rural areas of Iran is necessary to understand the state of food security and social health in the country. Identifying provinces with standard and homogeneous consumption patterns not only helps improve planning to meet food needs, but also can lead to the formulation of appropriate and effective policies to address issues related to nutrition and public health. This study examined: (i) the current food consumption patterns in rural areas of Iran in 2023, compared to the standard dietary pattern; (ii) the ranking of provinces based on the similarity of their dietary patterns to the standard; (iii) the identification of similar food consumption patterns across rural regions in different provinces; and (iv) the relationship between food consumption patterns and the infrastructural, economic, and social indicators of the provinces. The methodology of this study includes statistical analysis tools, such as TOPSIS method and k-means clustering technique. The results showed that the current dietary pattern of households in rural areas of Iran mainly consists of various types of cereals, providing more than 60% of an adult's daily calorie intake. Comparing, global scale, cereals provide 50% of daily calories intake, averagely, varying from 30% to 55% and 70% in high, middle, and low-income societies, respectively. We found that food consumption in rural areas of Iran does not necessarily align with the standard pattern, meaning 28.4% lower food items than required in the standard basket, and 16% less than standard energy requirements. For instance, the consumption of bread was more than recommended level while the share of dairy products, fruits, and red meat, was 64.4%, 52.1%, and 50% lower than the recommended amount, respectively. While the dietary patterns in rural areas of six provinces - Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Markazi, Isfahan, Hamedan, Zanjan, and Mazandaran - satisfied the standard dietary. The converse evidence was observed for Hormozgan, Semnan, Kerman, North Khorasan, Ilam, and Sistan-Baluchestan. Between comparison of provinces confirmed (i) a heterogenous consumption pattern, mostly, dominated by five types of behavioral patterns; (ii) non-significant effect between consumption pattern and geographical distribution; (iii) a more desirable consumption pattern depending on more suitable infrastructure, economic, and social indicators. To deal with the undesirable consequences of calorie shortage and non-standard consumption pattern, this study suggests a comprehensive plan regulating supportive policies, public awareness, sustainable agriculture, and educational programs about nutrition and market access. Nutrition in rural regions is influenced by economic, regional, social, cultural, and individual factors, and improving dietary health necessitates addressing these interconnected elements.