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

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.

Quality of life and general health of infertile women.

BACKGROUND: Measuring 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. METHODS: In 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. RESULTS: According 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. CONCLUSION: General 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.

Evaluation of the Anti-Leishmanial Effect of Recombinant Clostridium α-Toxin.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease common in tropical and subtropical regions caused by the genus Leishmania, which is transmitted by the bite of female sandflies. In this study, we evaluate the anti-leishmanial effect of recombinant Clostridium α-toxin protein alone and the combination with glucantime through in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Production, expression, and purification of recombinant α-toxin were evaluated by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting techniques. The antileishmanial activities of the purified α-toxin plus and without glucantime were examined in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The results indicated successful expression of α-toxin as a 48 kDa band on SDS-PAGE and Western blot methods. Also, evaluation of α-toxin IC50 showed the strong fatal effect of it, and glucantime on medium proliferated Leishmania promastigotes at lower concentrations compared with glucantime or α-toxin alone. Moreover, in vivo surveys showed that at the end of treatment courses, the mean of lesion size diminished in glucantime plus α-toxin treated mice versus negative control groups (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant difference in the parasite burden of the spleen and liver of the control versus the test groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed recombinant α-toxin has synergistic effects with glucantime in destroying Leishmania parasites.

Assessment of Preventive Behavior for Cervical Cancer with the Health Belief Model

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in developing countries. However, taking regular Pap smears screening, one of the most effective screening tests, can reduce chance of cervical cancer remarkably. The first step in health education is choosing the right model, one of the best known being the Health Belief Model (HBM). Here, we evaluated different HBM factors with regard to cervical cancer preventive behavior in Fasa, Iran. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 married women between the ages of 17 and 64 in Fasa during 2013. Participants were selected through stratified sampling from urban health centers. The questionnaire of the HBM included four sections and was filled out by interview. Data analysis was with SPSS 21, ANOVA and t-tests and Internal correlations between components of model were analyzed in terms of the Spearman Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age of the participants was 35.6±9.89 years. Some 52% had undergone a Pap test. The percentage values for participants' knowledge and perceived susceptibility were 49.5% and 46%, respectively, considered as moderate. Perceived severity and benefits were good at 56.5% and 73%, respectively, while perceived barriers was moderate (46.5%). Also, 57.1% demonstrated a good self-efficacy and 61% good behavior. Discussion: We found that the most predictable factors for knowledge and behavior were age, income level, perceived benefits, perceived severity and self-efficacy according to the HBM. These factors should be taken into account for achieving acceptable preventive behaviors in health programs.