Food behaviour and consumption patterns in rural areas of Sirjan, Iran. 2. Factors affecting food consumption, energy and nutrient intakes and food beliefs

Family income had a statistically significantly positive effect on the consumption frequency of meat, legumes and vegetables and on intakes of energy, protein and certain vitamins. Similarly, mothers’ education level and age affected consumption of animal and plant foods and intakes of energy, several vitamins and calcium, while mothers’ age had a positive effect mainly on consumption of animal foods and intakes of energy, protein and several vitamins. Food beliefs of women as regards diet in lactation and the menstruation period were influenced by their age and education level, the latter also affecting to some extent the cooking practices. In general food budget increased as a function of increased income; the richest families, however, spent relatively more money on food, because they had to buy a larger proportion of their food.

Key words:

• Food consumption
• nutrient intake
• energy intake
• income
• women's education
• food budget
• Iran
• rural areas
• food behaviour