Nutrition Services in Primary Healthcare: A Global Scoping Review

Strategic Insights -

Research from the Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, has highlighted the importance of integrating nutrition services into primary healthcare (PHC) networks worldwide. The study, which examined 37 studies indexed by reputable databases, found that PHC networks provide a range of nutrition services, including nutritional assessment, counseling, and education. These services are primarily offered by healthcare workers, nurses, physicians, and dietitians. The research concluded that nutrition services vary across different countries and income levels, with a greater focus on addressing diet- and nutrition-related problems such as diabetes and obesity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Primary healthcare is a critical component of healthcare systems worldwide, facilitating access to essential healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Integrating nutrition services into PHC networks is essential for effective health promotion and disease prevention.
  • The study examined 37 studies that involved nutrition care at PHC levels, indexed by PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Sid.
  • Nutritional services provided at PHC levels mainly included nutritional assessment, nutrition counseling and education, child and maternal nutritional care.
  • Healthcare workers, nurses, physicians, and dietitians primarily offer nutrition services, although other healthcare professionals may also be involved.
  • Nutrition services provided by health systems vary by degree of diet- and nutrition-related problems, such as diabetes and obesity, as well as maternal and newborn health.
  • The study highlights the need for a global approach to addressing diet- and nutrition-related problems, which are a significant public health concern worldwide.
  • The research was conducted by Nasrin Omidvar, Razieh Shenavar, Maryam Aghayan, and Amirhossein Takian from the Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.

Statistics:

  • 37 studies were examined in the scoping review, which were indexed by trustworthy databases.
  • 23 of these studies were from high-income countries.
  • 14 studies were from low- and middle-income countries.
  • Nutrition services provided at PHC levels primarily focused on addressing diet- and nutrition-related problems.
  • The degree of diet- and nutrition-related problems, such as diabetes and obesity, maternal and newborn health, and income levels of countries influenced the scope of nutrition services provided.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Update Understanding of Obesity and Diabetes (Nutrition Services In the Primary Healthcare System: a Scoping Review of Global Experiences). Obesity & Diabetes Week. October 20, 2025; p 26.
  • Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Nutrition Services In the Primary Healthcare System: a Scoping Review of Global Experiences. Journal of Public Health Policy, 2025.