Which factor, food literacy or health promotion literacy, predicts women’s healthy eating habits better? Results of a study in western Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine the individual contributions of food literacy and health promotion literacy components to healthy eating habits. By exploring these relationships, we aim to enhance our understanding of the factors that shape individuals’ dietary choices and behaviors. In 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted using survey methodology. The study sample was selected using the cluster sampling method, and data was collected using a standardized questionnaire among women aged 18 and older in Kermanshah city in western Iran. The findings of the study revealed that 26.4% of women demonstrated high levels of food knowledge, 44.4% exhibited high food skills, and 28.4% displayed high resilience. Additionally, 38.5% of participants demonstrated high health promotion literacy, while 47.9% exhibited high levels of healthy eating habits. Furthermore, the results indicated a significant relationship between the components of food literacy and healthy eating habits. Notably, an increase in health promotion literacy was found to positively correlate with improved healthy eating habits. Given that a significant proportion of women in the study exhibited low levels of food knowledge, it becomes crucial to prioritize efforts to enhance women’s understanding of nutrition and food-related information.