Open AccessGraph literacy matters: Examining the association between graph literacy, health literacy, and numeracy in a Medicaid eligible population
Author(s) -
Marie-Anne Durand,
Renata W. Yen,
James O’Malley,
Glyn Elwyn,
Julien Mancini
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0241844
Subject(s) - numeracy , health literacy , literacy , population , comprehension , bar chart , socioeconomic status , graph , computer science , psychology , medicine , health care , mathematics , statistics , environmental health , political science , pedagogy , programming language , theoretical computer science , law
Objectives Graphic display formats are often used to enhance health information. Yet limited attention has been paid to graph literacy in people of lower education and lower socioeconomic status (SES). This study aimed to: 1) examine the relationship between graph literacy, numeracy, health literacy and sociodemographic characteristics in a Medicaid-eligible population 2) determine the impact of graph literacy on comprehension and preference for different visual formats. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among people in the US on Medicaid, and of presumed lower education and SES. Results The mean graph literacy score among 436 participants was 1.47 (SD 1.05, range: 0 to 4). Only graph literacy was significantly associated with overall comprehension (p < .001). Mean comprehension scores were highest for the table format (1.91), closely followed by bar graph (1.85) and icon array (1.80). Information comprehension was aligned with preference scores. Conclusions Graph literacy in a Medicaid-eligible population was lower than previous estimates in the US. Tables were better understood, with icon arrays yielding the lowest score. Preferences aligned with comprehension. Practice implications It may be necessary to reconsider the use of graphic display formats when designing information for people with lower educational levels. Further research is needed.