BackgroundMeasuring the quality of life (QOL) is a benchmark in today’s world of medicine. The aim of the present study was to determine the general health and QOL of infertile women and certain affecting conditions.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 161 infertile women referring to Dr. Rostami’s Infertility Center of Shiraz, Southern Iran, in 2013 were enrolled by the convenience sampling method. Data were collected via a socio-demographic, general health (GHQ28), and the QOL Questionnaire of Infertile Couples and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.ResultsAccording to 146 completely filled-out questionnaires, the mean age of the participants and their spouses were 29.4 ± 5.4 and 33.8 ± 5.8 years, respectively. Moreover, the general health of 57 (39%) patients was normal and that of 89 (61%) patients showed a degree of impairment. The scores for depression and physical symptoms were the highest and lowest, respectively. In addition, quite positive, positive, neutral, and negative specific QOL of infertile women were detected in 4 (2.8%), 72 (49.3%), 70 (47.9%), and 0 (0%) individuals, respectively. The total QOL scores had maximum correlation with GHQ anxiety (r = −0.596, P < 0.001) and general health scores had the highest correlation with physical QOL (r = −0.637, P < 0.001). The QOL was economically (P = 0.027), emotionally (P = 0.004), sexually (P = 0.017), physically (P = 0.037), and psychologically (P = 0.001) less for the women living in rural areas than other infertile women. However, university education (P = 0.015) and higher income per month (P = 0.008) had positive associations with QOL.ConclusionGeneral health of more than half of the infertile women indicated a degree of disorder. These women face the risk of anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression. Educational status, monthly income, and rural/urban residency are the major factors influencing the QOL.

Background Health literacy (HL) may affect the consumption of fast food. We aimed to evaluate the effect of HL on fast food consumption among adult populations in Iran. Methods We evaluated HL and fast food consumption in 421 adult participants with age range of 18–65 years old in Fasa, Fars Province, southern Iran. Two-step cluster and systematic sampling was performed to recruit the study sample. Data were collected using a fast food consumption checklist, and the Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA) by face-to-face interviews. Population data across groups with and without fast food intake were compared. Results Most participants used fast food every few months (49.9%). People with low or unstable income consumed more fast food than others (P < 0.05). Sandwich and hotdog were the most consumed fast food (60.8%) followed by pizza (34.9%). Sausage and soda were the most seasoning food (66.7%). Most participants used fast food as dinner (67.9%) and with family (72.2%), suggesting the institutionalized consumption of this type of food in the family. Fun was the most frequent reason for the use of fast food (66.5%). Most participants completely knew about the raw materials for fast food and their adverse effects. Finally, we found that overall health literacy was lower among those who used fast food than those who did not. Consumed fast food (68.16 ± 23.85 vs. 73.15 ± 20.15; p = 0.021). This difference was also observed for some components of health literacy including reading skills, and decision-making subscales. Conclusions The findings suggest there is a negative relationship between general health literacy and fast food consumption indicating that who possess lower level of health literacy is likely to consume more fast food. Specifically, the findings suggest that reading skills, and decision-making (behavioral intention) are more associated with decreased or increased fast food intake.

Background Having appropriate health literacy may affect the consumption of fast food. We aimed to evaluate the effect of health literacy on fast food consumption among the general population.Methods We evaluated health literacy and fast food consumption using an appropriate questionnaire in 421 adult participants with the age range of 18-65 years old in Fasa city, Fars Province, southern Iran. Two-step cluster sampling and, then, systematic sampling were performed. Data collection was done through demographic information questionnaire, checklist on fast food consumption, and the Health Literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA) questionnaire. Data were harvested by face-to-face conversations. Population data across groups with/without fast food intake were compared.Results Most of our participants used fast food every few months (49.9%). People with low or unstable income consumed more fast food than others (P<0.05). Sandwich and hotdog were the most consumed fast food (60.8%) and pizza was in the next step (34.9%). Sausage and soda were the most seasoning food (66.7%). Most of our participants used fast food as dinner (67.9%) and along with their family (72.2%), suggesting the institutionalized consumption of this type of food in the family. Fun was the most frequent reason for the use of fast food (66.5%). Most of the participants completely knew about the raw materials for fast food and their adverse effects. Finally, we found that health literacy among those who used fast food was less than those who did not consumed fast food. This difference was also observed in the subscales of reading skills, critique, and decision-making.Conclusion Differences in health literacy and its components may affect fast food consumption. In addition, there was a negative relationship between health literacy and fast food consumption, which was also observed in reading skills, critique, and decision-making.