Assessment of the readability of patient education materials regarding breast cancer on websites

Abstract

Introduction: The Google search engine is a widely used resource for accessing health-related patient education texts. Therefore accessible information in the texts should be accurate, up-to-date and appropriate to the general public health literacy level. In this research, we aimed to analyze the readability of patient education texts prepared for breast cancer presented on internet and to evaluate the content of texts.Methods:A total of 200 web sites at Google search engine were evaluated using the terms “breast cancer and breast mass”. The average readability level was analyzed using Ateşman and Bezirci-Yilmaz readability formulas. The texts were also evaluated in terms of the risk factors identified in the development of breast cancer, the presence of examination and screening methods that could be used in early diagnosis.Results:A total 64 internet sites that are in compliance with the research criteria were evaluated. The overall mean reading level of the texts was found moderate, using the Ateşman formula and college level according to Bezirci. 18 Web sites had both the risk factors identified in the development of breast cancer and the methods of screenings.Conclusions: A total 64 internet sites that are in compliance with the research criteria were evaluated. The overall mean reading level of the texts was found moderate, using the Ateşman formula and college level according to Bezirci. 18 Web sites had both the risk factors identified in the development of breast cancer and the methods of screenings.