Nutrition Literacy and Healthy Lifestyle among University Employees in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 International Convention Center for Health Martyrs, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition literacy is an influential factor in choosing healthy eating behaviors and lifestyles. The aim of this study was to assess the nutrition literacy, healthy lifestyle and related factors in the employee of the International Conference Center of Health Martyrs of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.in Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, data were collected from 113 employees working at the International Health Martyrs Conference Center through a census. The data collection tools included the Evaluation Instrument of Nutrition Literacy for Adults (EINLA) and the Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (HLQ). The study was conducted between 2023 and 2024, and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0. Statistical methods employed for analysis included the independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and simple/multiple linear regression. Results: The average age of the participants was 37.3 years (SD = 7.8). Most employees had moderate nutrition literacy, with significantly higher scores among females and those with higher education levels. Nutrition literacy was inversely correlated with age (P = 0.028), but showed no significant association with overall lifestyle scores. However, healthier lifestyles were associated with lower BMI and younger age. Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of implementing tailored nutrition education programs, particularly for male employees and those with lower educational attainment. Furthermore, the lack of a significant association between nutrition literacy and lifestyle suggests that effective promotion of healthy behaviors in workplace settings may require comprehensive, multifaceted approaches that extend beyond knowledge dissemination alone.

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References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 September 2025

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  • Receive Date: 03 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 September 2025

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