The effects of two health information texts on patient recognition memory: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of two health information texts on patient recognition memory, a key aspect of comprehension. MethodsRandomized controlled trial (N=60), comparing the effects of experimental and control colorectal cancer (CRC) screening texts on recognition memory, measured using a statement recognition test, accounting for response bias (score range −0.91 to 5.34). The experimental text had a lower Flesch–Kincaid reading grade level (7.4 versus 9.6), was more focused on addressing screening barriers, and employed more comparative tables than the control text. ResultsRecognition memory was higher in the experimental group (2.54 versus 1.09, t=−3.63, P=0.001), including after adjustment for age, education, and health literacy (β=0.42, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.68, P=0.001), and in analyses limited to persons with college degrees (β=0.52, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.86, P=0.004) or no self-reported health literacy problems (β=0.39, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.71, P=0.02). ConclusionAn experimental CRC screening text improved recognition memory, including among patients with high education and self-assessed health literacy. Practice implicationsCRC screening texts comparable to our experimental text may be warranted for all screening-eligible patients, if such texts improve screening uptake.