The Influence of Symbols on the Short-Term Recall of Pharmacy-Generated Prescription Medication Information in a Low Health Literate Sample

Abstract

The effect of symbols on conveying health information has been studied in a variety of contexts and populations. This investigation assessed whether short-term recall of prescription medication information could be enhanced in a low health literate population through the use of symbols. Participants recruited from various nonpharmacy educational service locations were randomly assigned to receive a prescription medication information leaflet in either a text-only, text with symbols, or symbols-only format and then administered the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM). Only those with REALM scores indicative of a sixth grade or lower reading level were included in data analysis. An 8-item, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to assess participants' recall of information contained in the leaflet. A fictitious medication was used to control for participants' past experiences with medications. Results of statistical testing revealed that the three groups did not differ with respect to their ability to recall the medication information, F(2, 157) = 0.943, p = .392. The symbols used in this investigation were not found to enhance the short-term recall of the medication information presented. These findings should not be considered a wholesale indictment of the use of symbols within health care and in pharmacies. Rather, they should serve as a caution to their widespread use without careful consideration.