The Effect of Eliminating Subsidies on Food Consumption of Households in Kermanshah –Iran



Pasdar Y^{1, 2} ; Rezaei M³ ; Darbandi M² ; Niazi P^{1, 2} ; Sharafi K^{2, 4} Show Affiliations
Source: International Journal of Pharmacy and Technology Published:2016

Abstract

State subsidies are paid to aid households, especially the vulnerable ones. This study was conducted to determine the effect of targeted subsidies on food consumption of households in the city of Kermanshah. This descriptive analytical study was conducted two years after implementing food subsidies elimination plan in 2013 on 250 households, randomly selected (multistage cluster sampling) from six districts in Kermanshah city. Data were collected using demographic and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and analyzed in SPSS-16 using linear regression, Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficients, Chi-square, Choprov and t-tests. A significant reduction was found in consumption of all nutrient groups including bread and cereals (P<0.001), protein and meat (P=0.01), dairy products (P=0.01), and fruits and vegetables (P<0.001) compared to previous two studies and before elimination of food subsidies. A more than three-fold reduction was observed in daily consumption of milk compared to before elimination of subsidies (P<0.001). Household income was positively and significantly related to consumption of nutrient groups (P<0.001). Elimination of food subsidies had led to a reduction in consumption of essential foods in households. Given the relationship between income and consumption, it is recommended that special supports be provided by the state to improve nutritional status of low-income and vulnerable households. © 2016, International Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. All rights reserved.