Exploring the relationship between health literacy and fast food consumption: a population-based study from southern Iran

Abstract

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.

Evaluation of Health Literacy and Associated Factors Among Adults Living in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“… 21 However, in the current study more than half of the participants reported always understanding the explanation from the physician about the disease and recommendation of a healthy diet, drug information on labels, and risk and benefits of the drug prescribed by a physician. This is comparable to a previous population-based study from Iran, 24 where the author reported that 55.1% of the participants were able to understand the health-related information given by their physicians. 24 Although understating the health information is essentially important for achieving better health outcomes and to main a quality of life similar to healthy individuals.…”

“…This is comparable to a previous population-based study from Iran, 24 where the author reported that 55.1% of the participants were able to understand the health-related information given by their physicians. 24 Although understating the health information is essentially important for achieving better health outcomes and to main a quality of life similar to healthy individuals.…”

“…The findings revealed that 54.4% of the participants found inadequate HL. These findings were higher than earlier study in Iran which reported 48.7% of the Iranians had limited HL, 24 a similar study published by Abdel-Latif and Saad 21 reported 40.6% of the participants found to have basic and below basic HL, while 15.6% reported proficient HL. Similarly, another recent study found a prevalence of 46% of low HL in Saudi Arabia.…”

“…The questionnaires designed for the study included 2 sections. 23 , 24 First, a section focusing on demographic information such as gender, age, educational level, nationality, income, and marital status. The second part was intended to assess the HL and was subdivided into 5-domains.…”

“…Furthermore, HL score was divided in to the good HL, and Poor HL, similar to previous study. 23 , 24 …”