Background and Objectives: 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 socioeconomic
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).
Materials and Methods: 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 socioeconomic
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.
Results: 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).
Conclusions: 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.