The readability and suitability of sexual health promotion leaflets

Nova Corcoran; Fatuma Ahmad

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2015.09.003

The readability and suitability of sexual health promotion leaflets

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the readability and suitability of sexual health promotion leaflets.

Method

Application of SMOG, FRY and SAM tests to assess the readability and suitability of a selection of sexual health leaflets.

Results

SMOG and FRY scores illustrate an average reading level of grade 9. SAM scores indicate that 59% of leaflets are superior in design and 41% are average in design. Leaflets generally perform well in the categories of content, literacy demand, typography and layout. They perform poorly in use of graphics, learning stimulation/motivation and cultural appropriateness.

Conclusion

Sexual health leaflets have a reading level that is too high. Leaflets perform well on the suitability scores indicating they are reasonably suitable. There are a number of areas where sexual health leaflets could improve their design.

Practice implications

Numerous practical techniques are suggested for improving the readability and suitability of sexual health leaflets.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	284-286
Journal	Patient Education and Counselling
Volume	99
Issue number	2
Early online date	9 Oct 2015
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.09.003
Publication status	Published - 1 Feb 2016

Keywords

Readability
Suitability
Sexual health
Leaflets
Health promotion

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.pec.2015.09.003Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Cite this

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title = "The readability and suitability of sexual health promotion leaflets",

abstract = "ObjectiveTo investigate the readability and suitability of sexual health promotion leaflets.MethodApplication of SMOG, FRY and SAM tests to assess the readability and suitability of a selection of sexual health leaflets.ResultsSMOG and FRY scores illustrate an average reading level of grade 9. SAM scores indicate that 59% of leaflets are superior in design and 41% are average in design. Leaflets generally perform well in the categories of content, literacy demand, typography and layout. They perform poorly in use of graphics, learning stimulation/motivation and cultural appropriateness.ConclusionSexual health leaflets have a reading level that is too high. Leaflets perform well on the suitability scores indicating they are reasonably suitable. There are a number of areas where sexual health leaflets could improve their design.Practice implicationsNumerous practical techniques are suggested for improving the readability and suitability of sexual health leaflets.",

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AU - Ahmad, Fatuma

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AB - ObjectiveTo investigate the readability and suitability of sexual health promotion leaflets.MethodApplication of SMOG, FRY and SAM tests to assess the readability and suitability of a selection of sexual health leaflets.ResultsSMOG and FRY scores illustrate an average reading level of grade 9. SAM scores indicate that 59% of leaflets are superior in design and 41% are average in design. Leaflets generally perform well in the categories of content, literacy demand, typography and layout. They perform poorly in use of graphics, learning stimulation/motivation and cultural appropriateness.ConclusionSexual health leaflets have a reading level that is too high. Leaflets perform well on the suitability scores indicating they are reasonably suitable. There are a number of areas where sexual health leaflets could improve their design.Practice implicationsNumerous practical techniques are suggested for improving the readability and suitability of sexual health leaflets.

KW - Readability

KW - Suitability

KW - Sexual health

KW - Leaflets

KW - Health promotion

U2 - 10.1016/j.pec.2015.09.003

DO - 10.1016/j.pec.2015.09.003

M3 - Article

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The readability and suitability of sexual health promotion leaflets

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

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