Volume 16, Issue 4 (Jul & Aug-In Press 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(4): 8-8 |
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Ethics code: IR.TUMS.MEDICINE.REC.1400.788
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Emami O, Dorosty Motlagh A, Takian A, Mosafarkhani E. Assessment of Diet Quality Trends in Iranian Households Using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and Household Income-Expenditure Survey Data, 1991–2020. J Research Health 2026; 16 (4) :8-8
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2809-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2809-en.html
1- School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,dorostim@tums.ac.ir
3- Department of Global Health and Public Policy; & Department of Health Management, Policy & Economics; Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, 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 ,
3- Department of Global Health and Public Policy; & Department of Health Management, Policy & Economics; Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran, Iran.
4- Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract: (37 Views)
Background: The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a valuable tool in health and nutrition research, providing a measure of diet quality aligned with key recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This study examined trends and socio-demographic correlates of dietary quality, as measured by the HEI-2015, among Iranian households over a 30-year period from 1991 to 2020.
Methods: Data from the Household Income-Expenditure Survey (HIES) of 665,254 Iranian households (out of 926,339 surveyed from 1991 to 2020) were analyzed in this repeated cross-sectional study. A Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort (HAPC) model, implemented in SAS 9.4, was used to disentangle age, period, and cohort effects.
Results: Our findings revealed an initial upward trend in Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores from 1999 to 2017, indicating improved dietary quality, followed by a downward trend since 2018. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed, with higher household income (p < 0.0001), education levels (p < 0.0001), and urban residence (p < 0.0001) associated with higher HEI scores. The HAPC model allowed for the disentanglement of age, period, and cohort effects, providing insights into the unique influences shaping dietary patterns across different population subgroups over time. Our study revealed a statistically significant positive trend in scores, with a mean increase of 8 points over an 18-year period (1999-2000 to 2015-2016). Scores rose from 43.86 (1999-2000) to 51.86 (2015-2016).
Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy eating habits, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged and rural populations. Addressing the observed decline in dietary quality and socio-demographic disparities is crucial for improving overall population health and well-being.
Methods: Data from the Household Income-Expenditure Survey (HIES) of 665,254 Iranian households (out of 926,339 surveyed from 1991 to 2020) were analyzed in this repeated cross-sectional study. A Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort (HAPC) model, implemented in SAS 9.4, was used to disentangle age, period, and cohort effects.
Results: Our findings revealed an initial upward trend in Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores from 1999 to 2017, indicating improved dietary quality, followed by a downward trend since 2018. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed, with higher household income (p < 0.0001), education levels (p < 0.0001), and urban residence (p < 0.0001) associated with higher HEI scores. The HAPC model allowed for the disentanglement of age, period, and cohort effects, providing insights into the unique influences shaping dietary patterns across different population subgroups over time. Our study revealed a statistically significant positive trend in scores, with a mean increase of 8 points over an 18-year period (1999-2000 to 2015-2016). Scores rose from 43.86 (1999-2000) to 51.86 (2015-2016).
Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote healthy eating habits, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged and rural populations. Addressing the observed decline in dietary quality and socio-demographic disparities is crucial for improving overall population health and well-being.
Keywords: Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), Diet Quality, Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort (HAPC), Households Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES)
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Health Systems
Received: 2025/05/20 | Accepted: 2025/11/17 | Published: 2026/06/9
Received: 2025/05/20 | Accepted: 2025/11/17 | Published: 2026/06/9
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