Open AccessImproving patient comprehension of literature on smoking.
Author(s) -
Cathy D. Meade,
James C. Byrd,
M Lee
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.79.10.1411
Subject(s) - comprehension , reading comprehension , medicine , randomized controlled trial , reading (process) , psychology , family medicine , linguistics , surgery , philosophy
This study was designed to determine if simplification of smoking literature improved patient comprehension. Subjects (N = 129) were randomized in three groups: to receive no smoking booklet, receive one written at the 5th grade, or the 10th grade reading level. Subjects receiving the 5th grade booklet showed 13 percent better comprehension than those receiving the 10th grade booklet, and 18 percent better than the controls. Comprehension of written smoking materials can be improved by adjustment of the reading grade level.