Written Physical Activity Educational Materials

Abstract

0768 A variety of written physical activity educational materials (PAEMs) have been developed by organizations within the private and public sectors. PAEMs have addressed important topics such as, the health benefits of physical activity, guidelines for physical activity participation, and helpful hints/strategies to adopt a physically active lifestyle. Several studies have suggested that a large percentage of the general population reads <6th grade level, even though actual grade attainment may be much higher. Because of these findings, health literacy experts suggest that health education materials be written at a 6th grade level. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the readability of English-language written PAEMs available to the general public. METHODS: Written PAEMs (n = 20) were collected from government agencies (e.g., National Institutes of Health), national organizations (e.g., American Heart Association), and pharmaceutical corporations (e.g., Pfizer). Calculation of readability (i.e., grade level) was done using McLauglin's (Simplified Measure of Gobbledygoop) SMOG formula. The SMOG is accurate, has shown to highly correlate with other readability formulas and has been recommended by the American Cancer Society for written materials. RESULTS: All PAEMs evaluated in this study were written above the recommended 6th grade reading level. The mean SMOG grade level of written PAEMs was 10.58 ± 1.87 (range 8–16). PAEMs averaged 53.32 ± 18.71 >3-syllable words per piece. Words such as, “metabolism,” “glucose uptake,” “circulation,” and “hyperextension” appeared routinely throughout PAEMs. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, PAEMs are written at a level that many American adults are unable to comprehend. To be effective in helping adults make informed choices regarding physical activity, PAEMs must be understandable to the clientele for whom they are intended.