Readability of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Patient Education Materials

Authors: Amini, Homa; Casamassimo, Paul S.; Lin, Hsuan L.; Hayes, John R.

Source: Pediatric Dentistry, Volume 29, Number 5, September / October 2007 , pp. 431-435(5)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the readability of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's (AAPD) patient education brochures and compare their readability level with that recommended by health education experts. Methods: Readability for the 25 AAPD brochures was assessed using the: (1) Flesch-Kincaid formula; (2) Gunning Fog formula; and (3) Flesch reading ease formula. The results were compared to the reading level recommended by the experts. Results: Mean readability for all 25 brochures was: (a) 9.1(±1.8 SD) using the Flesch-Kincaid formula; (b) 9.2 (±1.5 SD) with the Gunning Fog formula; and (c) 53.0 (±12.2 SD) with the Flesch reading ease formula. Using the Flesch-Kincaid and Gunning Fog formulas, 88% and 92% of the AAPD patient education materials were written above the recommended sixth-grade reading level, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry patient education materials were difficult to read and written above the recommended level for the general public using accepted measures. Readability formulas may be used as a guide to help improve the reading ease of health education materials.

Keywords: HEALTH LITERACY; READABILITY; PATIENT EDUCATION MATERIALS

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2007-09-01

More about this publication?

Pediatric Dentistry is the official publication of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. It is published bi-monthly and is internationally recognized as the leading journal in the area of pediatric dentistry. The journal promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This peer-reviewed journal features scientific articles, case reports and abstracts of current pediatric dental research.
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Readability of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Patient Education Materials

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