Do Iranian Female-headed Households Have Lower Socio-economic and Nutritional Status Compared to Male-headed ones?

Poverty and risk of nutritional vulnerability of female-headed households (FHHs) are usually higher than male-headed households (MHHs). This study aimed at comparing the socio-economic status, and food and nutrient intake of FHHs and MHHs based on the data from Comprehensive Study on Household Food Consumption Patterns and Nutritional Status of Iran (2001-2003). In this cross-sectional study, the samples were urban and rural households of the country, which were determined by the Statistics Center of Iran using systematic cluster method. The socio-economic and demographic characteristics of households were asked by interview and observational techniques, and recorded in data forms. The dietary data were collected using three consecutive 24-hour recalls completed by nutrition experts. For the purpose of this study, FHHs and MHHs were compared in terms of socio-economic characteristics, consumption pattern and nutritional status. From 7158 households of the study, 5.5% were female-headed including 116 rural (1/6%) and 280 urban (3.9%) households. Educational and occupational status among FHHs were significantly lower than among MHHs (p<0.05); however, in terms of average total expenditure per capita, accommodation type, and lodging facilities such as electricity and water consumption, no significant differences were observed between FHHs and MHHs. In contrast, MHHs enjoyed more facilities. The significant difference in food consumption among the urban households was only found in fruits and sweets, and in the rural areas, in oils and fats group (p<0.05). In FHHs, calcium, Vitamin C and thiamin intake was lower than in male-headed group. In the rural areas, the retinol and energy intake posted a lower and higher level, respectively, over MHHs (p<0.05). In spite of lower socio-economic level among FHHs, the differences in food and nutrient intake were only seen in fruits, calcium, Vitamin C and retinol intake, especially in the rural areas. Therefore, in the diet of these households, energy dense foods should be partly replaced by foods providing nutrients such as Ca, Vitamin C and retinol.