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Learning Objective 1: The learner will identify the relationship between participant REALM scores and educational materials perceived as most useful.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will explain how health care providers and non health care providers perceived the usefulness of educational materials according to reading level.
Purpose: The purpose of this research study was to (a) compare participant preferences in health education materials to their scores on the REALM and (b) determine if health care provider participants ranked education materials differently from non-health care provider participants.
Methods: Participants were recruited at two student-run health fairs. After securing informed consent, student researchers asked the participants to rank the perceived usefulness of educational materials commonly distributed to patients. The materials ranged from college to fifth grade reading levels. Health literacy was assessed using the REALM; demographic data were also collected.
Results: A total of 49 adults participated in the health fairs. Ages ranged from 24 to 82 years; 14 were health care providers (HCP), and 35 were non-health care providers (NHCP). All but two participants reported to be at least high school graduates. REALM scores ranged from fourth-sixth grade to high school. The majority of both HCP and NHCP chose the specifically designed easy-to-read brochure as their first choice regardless of REALM scores. There was a difference, however, when looking at the groups who did not choose the easy to read brochures as most useful.
Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Regardless of last grade completed, the majority of the participants preferred the brochure created at a sixth grade level following the principles of readability. When choosing educational materials, HCPs should keep the principles of readability in mind. Offering materials that are perceived to be useful may encourage clients to examine the materials, improve self management of disease, and improve outcomes.