Food Insecurity among Iranian Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Estimating the prevalence of food insecurity among vulnerable sub-groups, especially pregnant women, is significant. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of food insecurity among Iranian pregnant women and to determine its related factors.

This study constitutes a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies involving pregnant women, published between January 2000 and September 2022, in English and Persian on seven databases. Finally, 14 studies were analyzed and synthesized, with the results presented in the form of forest plots. Heterogeneity was investigated using the I² index and the meta-regression to evaluate variables suspected of causing heterogeneity. Statistical analysis and synthesis were performed using Stata-16.

The pooled prevalence of food insecurity among Iranian pregnant women was 45% (95% confidence interval: 37-54%). In a multi-variable meta-regression model, p values were significant for the year of data collection and the type of the questionnaire. The adjusted I² and R² indices were estimated at 84.47 and 51.46%, respectively. The prevalence of food insecurity among Iranian pregnant women has been estimated at half a million.

Given the high prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant women in Iran, we propose the inclusion of food insecurity screening for this vulnerable demographic within the primary healthcare package. Additionally, we advocate for the allocation of food subsidies to pregnant women confronting food insecurity.