Suitability Assessment Of Materials Score Research Articles

Educational technology for pregnant women on rapid HIV testing: validation study

Objective: To describe the process of validating a booklet for pregnant women on the rapid test for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Method: Methodological research with a quantitative approach, with an emphasis on content and appearance validation. Data collection took place between January and August 2020, with the application of two online questionnaires, one for 14 health judges and the other for four judges from other areas. Descriptive statistics were used to obtain the Content Validity Index (minimum 0.7) and the Suitability Assessment of Materials score (minimum ten points). Results: The Content Validity Index was 0.8 and the SAM score was 25.25. Conclusion: The booklet was considered adequate in terms of content and appearance, and can mediate educational actions with pregnant women on rapid HIV testing.

Evaluating the Quality of Cancer-Related WeChat Public Accounts: Cross-Sectional Study.

WeChat (Tencent) is one of the most important information sources for Chinese people. Relevantly, various health-related data are constantly transmitted among WeChat users. WeChat public accounts (WPAs) for health are rapidly emerging. Health-related WeChat public accounts have a significant impact on public health. Because of the rise in web-based health-seeking behavior, the general public has grown accustomed to obtaining cancer information from WPAs. Although WPAs make it easy for people to obtain health information, the quality of the information is questionable. This study aims to assess the quality and suitability of cancer-related WeChat public accounts (CWPAs). The survey was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2023. Based on the WPA monthly list provided by Qingbo Big Data, 28 CWPAs in the WeChat communication index were selected as the survey sample. Quality assessment of the included CWPAs was performed using the HONcode instrument. Furthermore, suitability was measured by using the Suitability Assessment of Materials. A total of 2 researchers conducted the evaluations independently. Of the 28 CWPAs, 12 (43%) were academic and 16 (57%) were commercial. No statistical difference was found regarding the HONcode scores between the 2 groups (P=.96). The quality of the academic and commercial CWPAs evaluated using the HONcode instrument demonstrated mean scores of 5.58 (SD 2.02) and 5.63 (SD 2.16), respectively, corresponding to a moderate class. All CWPAs' compliance with the HONcode principles was unsatisfactory. A statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in the Suitability Assessment of Materials scores (P=.04). The commercial WPAs reached an overall 55.1% (SD 5.5%) score versus the 50.2% (SD 6.4%) score reached by academic WPAs. The suitability of academic and commercial CWPAs was considered adequate. This study revealed that CWPAs are not sufficiently credible. WPA owners must endeavor to create reliable health websites using approved tools such as the HONcode criteria. However, it is necessary to educate the public about the evaluation tools of health websites to assess their credibility before using the provided content. In addition, improving readability will allow the public to read and understand the content.

P-433 Male infertility information on Swedish fertility clinics’ websites: An evaluation of readability, suitability, and quality

Abstract Study question The aim of the study was to examine online information regarding male infertility on private clinics or university infertility clinics’ websites in Sweden. Summary answer The results of the present study indicate that there is a lack of fertility information directed at men on the Swedish fertility clinics’ websites. What is known already Previous research has shown that male infertility can be perceived as a threat to the masculinity and identity. Therefore, online forums are perceived as highly valuable by men seeking health-related information on the Internet, however, there is always a risk of obtaining information that is not evidence-based. For individuals seeking fertility-related information, studies have shown that the quality of Internet websites varies; online information seldom meets standards of truthfulness, reliability, and navigability. There is also a suboptimal quality across medical websites regarding evidence-based information and they have reading levels most appropriate for individuals with at least a high school education. Study design, size, duration A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate 22 fertility clinics’ websites focusing on male infertility. Participants/materials, setting, methods By using standardized methods for evaluating printed and electronic resources, with established reliability and validity, we evaluate how suitable the text on the fertility clinics’ websites is for patient purposes that affect both readability and comprehension. The Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), and the DISCERN instrument was used. Main results and the role of chance Results disclosed that Swedish fertility clinićs websites has focus on information concerning women’s infertility. Information regarding male infertility was scanty. The suitability as established by SAM, was 59% for the private clinics and 66% for the government clinics. The highest suitability scores for the private clinics were items related to the cultural image, layout, subheadings, and chunking. For the governmental clinics, items were related to summary and review and cultural image. Items rated low were content about interactions for the private clinics, and interactions, writing styles, cover graphic, type of illustrations and motivations for the governmental clinics. The mean readability SAM score for the entire sample was 57%, meaning that the content was geared to readers at least 5th grade, demonstrating that the websites scored lower than the recommended 8th grade level readability, which made the information easy to understand for most visitors. For the DISCERN, one website met the criteria for “excellent” quality, nine were “good”, one “fair”, one “poor”, and five “very poor”. Items that scored lowest were clarity of sources, description of risks of treatment, and what would happen without treatment, benefits of each treatment, and affect quality of life. Limitations, reasons for caution The focus was to assess the quality of Swedish online information about male infertility on both private and university clinics’ websites, regulated by Swedish laws regarding fertility treatments. This may affect the information available on the websites and therefore may not be applicable to websites in other countries. Wider implications of the findings Men affected by infertility needs to make various choices from the information published on the fertility clinićs websites. The responsibility of the website’s information lies with health-care staff. Therefore, the information must be reliable, evidence-based, and up to date so that men can base their choices on reliable facts. Trial registration number non applicable

Quality and Readability of Accessible Facial Feminization Literature: Where Can We Improve?

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) consists of multiple, complex procedures. Well-informed patients have been shown to have better outcomes and expectations. However, there is limited data evaluating FFS patient-oriented material online. This study aims to evaluate the quality and readability of FFS literature online. Facial feminization surgery-related terms were queried in Google with location, cookies, and user account information disabled. Websites were analyzed for readability using Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Reading Grade Level, suitability using the suitability assessment of materials (SAM), and quality using the DISCERN scale. Unpaired t tests and χ2 tests were used to compare the websites of community-based and academic or public institutions. One hundred twenty websites met inclusion criteria (71 community-based and 49 academic). The average reading grade level was 11.68 ± 1.71. The average SAM score was 53.11 ± 11.75, denoting adequate readability. Only 16.67% of websites contained visual aids to assist in explaining procedures and benefits. Overall, 68.33% of websites' DISCERN score was rated very poor or poor, whereas only 8.33% were rated as good. The following DISCERN elements had the lowest scores across all graded websites: "clear source and date of information," "details of additional source of support," "refers to areas of uncertainty," and "describes risks of each treatment." Websites published by community-based institutions were significantly better in describing how FFS works and the benefits of each procedure. Academic sites overall were less biased (4.84 vs 4.62, P = 0.03) and provided additional sources of support (2.35 vs 1.32, P = <0.001). Online FFS patient resources should be written at a more inclusive reading level and should increase the use of pictorial aids to improve patient comprehension. Facial feminization surgery patient resources were significantly above the recommended sixth grade reading level for health literature. Academic and community-based institutions should include more information about procedural risks and limitations in surgical outcomes to ensure a broader scope of understanding.

Readability and Suitability of Online Uveitis Patient Education Materials

ABSTRACT Purpose This study assesses readability, suitability, and accountability of online uveitis patient education materials (PEMs). Methods Two uveitis specialists reviewed the top 10 websites on Google for keyword “uveitis,” with a PubMed review control. Readability was assessed using an online calculator, suitability using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) tool, and accountability using JAMA benchmarks. Results The mean SAM score was 21.05, indicating that websites were on average adequately suitable to educate patients. WebMD Uveitis website scored the highest at 25.5, while allaboutvision.org scored the lowest at 18.0. The average Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score was 44.0 (95% CI: 34.2, 53.8). The average reading grade score was 11.0 (95% CI: 9.4, 12.6). WebMD Uveitis page scored highest on readability. The average accountability score among sites was 2.36 out of 4. Conclusions Uveitis websites are only adequately suitable as PEMs, and all are above the recommended reading level. Uveitis specialists should advise patients on quality of online PEMs.

Performing an Organizational Health Literacy Assessment in a Shelter Serving People with Mental Illness.

Background:Health literacy research and practice are constantly evolving. Recent inquiry has highlighted the burdensome literacy demands faced by people with serious mental illness (SMI). Systems, organizational operations, and structures can play a role in decreasing literacy demand, thereby reducing unnecessary challenges for people with SMI.Brief Description of Activity:An organizational health literacy assessment was conducted to explore literacy demands in one mental health shelter and revealed best practice action steps for improving the literacy environment.Implementation:The assessment included an exploration of the shelter environment using The Health Literacy Environment Activity Packet, First Impressions & Walking Interview, and a commonly used shelter document using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Index.Results:The literacy demands of the shelter environment and a frequently used document exceeded the literacy skills of people with SMI. Environment assessment revealed environmental facilitators (e.g., welcoming atmosphere) and barriers (e.g., unclear signage). Document assessment also revealed facilitating factors and barriers. SMOG scores ranged from 11.25 to 11.80 (median: 11.38), meaning 11th to 12th grade-level reading skills are required to understand, use, and take action on the document's content. A SAM score of 50% (adequate) and a CDC Index score of 42.1 (revise and improve) reveal materials contain both facilitating factors (e.g., chunked sections) and barriers (e.g., jargon, mismatched graphics) to use.Lessons Learned:The mismatch between system demands and the literacy skills of people with SMI is more profound than that of the general United States population. Organizational health literacy assessments are achievable and useful for both immediate and long-term action aimed at understanding and improving the organizational health literacy of mental health spaces. Further work is needed to explore the role of behavioral health services in addressing the institutional and programmatic literacy demands that inhibit treatment and recovery. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2022;6(3):e167–e174.]Plain Language Summary:An organizational health literacy assessment reveals how system demands can be changed to better serve intended users. Engaging in mental health, recovery, and treatment services requires complex literacy skills. Generally, the U.S. adult population does not have the skills to meet such demands, and this is especially true among public mental health service users.

Readability and Suitability Assessment of university students Educational Materials in Preventing Smoking

Background: Educational materials are frequently used by health care providers to inform university students and young people about smoking and the health risks of smoking. However, little attention has been paid to the readability and suitability of these educational materials. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the readability and suitability of educational materials in preventing smoking for university students. Methods: Multiple instructional materials and books were used for the design and preparation of educational materials and were then tailored to the target group. Readability was measured by using the readability assessment of materials (RAM); and suitability was determined by the suitability assessment of materials (SAM) that considers characteristics such as content, graphics, layout/topography, and cultural appropriateness. Twenty reviewers, including 15 students and 5 health specialists scored the educational materials. Results: The mean readability score _ standard deviation(SD) of the educational materials was 8±1.6, 9±1.5 and 10±1.7, for the booklet, the pamphlet of the skill of saying no, smoking pamphlet and quitting it , respectively, which were increased to 15±1.4, 16 ±1.7and 17±0.8, after tailoring the content. The average SAM scores before and after tailoring the content were 45% for the booklet, which was increased to 88% and 75% for the pamphlet of the skill of saying no, which was increased to 93% and 79%for the smoking pamphlet and quitting it ,which was increased to 95%.The increase in all scores was significant (p&lt; 0.01).The final tailored educational material was rated “superior media” on the SAM ratings. Conclusions: Given that most of the printed materials are suitable for people with higher education levels, health providers are strongly advised to prepare simple and understandable education materials that may increase the likelihood of consumer perception and recall.

Utilizing Health Literacy Measures to Assess the Content of a Food Quality Screener for Understandability and Actionability

ABSTRACT Background Nutrition education materials are frequently used by health educators to inform consumers about quality food choices. However, evaluation of content-based factors that impact the consumer’s ability to understand and act on nutrition information is lacking. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the content of a newly developed Food Quality Screener (FQS) as an understandable and actionable tool. Methods Two evidence-based assessments were utilized in this study. The first assessment involved ten experts evaluating the understandability of the FQS content based on the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). The second assessment involved health consumers evaluating the actionability of FQS content based on a modified version of the Usefulness Scale for Patient Information Material (USE). Results The average SAM score percentage before and after targeting the FQS content increased from 79% to 91%, which was significant (p < .05). The USE mean score was 38.55, from a maximum possible 45 points. Discussion Based on expert and consumer ratings, the newly revised FQS received high marks for understandability and actionability. Translation to Health Education Practice This study’s findings serve as a foundational step forward to providing an easy-to-understand food quality screener that assesses total diet quality and engages clients in the behavioral change process.

Evaluation of online, publicly available cancer-related educational and self-management resources for symptom management.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the readability, suitability, and quality of publicly available online self-management (SM) resources for people with cancer. Resources were identified using two strategies: (1) a targeted search of 20 Canadian organizations and (2) a Google search. These were evaluated using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), the DISCERN tool for quality, and readability indices. The SM skills (e.g., problem-solving) and symptom management strategies addressed by each resource were also assessed. Descriptive and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to identify resources of the highest suitability and quality as well as resource characteristics associated with higher quality and suitability. A total of 92 resources were evaluated. The mean reading grade level for English resources was 10.29 (SD=1.64, range of 7.05 to 15.09) and 12.62 for French resources (SD=2.27, range of 10.12 to 15.65). The mean SAM score across the samplewas 50.4% (SD=10.6%), or 'adequate', and the mean DISCERN score was 61.1% (SD=11.8%), or 'fair'. The cluster analysis indicated that 10 resources scored highly on both the SAM and the DISCERN. In total, 91 symptom management strategies were identified. On average, resources addressed 2.73 SM skills (SD=1.58). There is a need for plain language resources for people with lower reading ability and resources that incorporate more SM skills. Study findings will help healthcare professionals, patients, and their families identify optimal resources to address cancer-related symptoms.

Anterior Abdominal Wall Blocks as A Source of Information in A Social Media Network

Objectives: Although YouTube is widely used as a source of information, there is no regulation used to analyze the quality of videos. The aim of our study is to evaluate the quality and content of videos about Anterior Abdominal Wall Blocks on YouTube. &#x0D; Methods: On YouTube, a website, a search was made between May 01-31, 2020 using the keywords "anterior abdominal wall blocks", "rectus sheath block", "ilioinguinal/iliohipogastric nerve block", and "transversus abdominis plan (TAP) block". An evaluation of understandability was performed using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) test for the first 100 video materials. Educational content in each video was assessed by the presence/absence of 11 factors. These factors were determined based on the reference book on the subject by Clinical Anesthesia (18). User engagement metrics were recorded for each video as follows: 1) number of video views, 2) likes, 3) dislikes, and 4) comments.&#x0D; Results: When the videos were evaluated by the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) score, 58 (58%) videos were in the ‘insufficient' group, 25 (25%) videos were in the 'sufficient' group and 17 (17%) videos were in the 'superior' group. There was a weak positive correlation between the SAM score and the number of views, likes, dislikes, and comments. There was a strong positive correlation between the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) score of the videos and the video duration. When the medical contents of the videos were examined, it was found that sufficient information was given in terms of the type of approach, and demonstration of dermatomes and anatomical landmarks, but highly insufficient information was given in terms of monitoring, sterilization and needle/catheter use. &#x0D; Conclusion: We think that an institutional assessment system that provides content and quality assurance of medical information for both patients and healthcare personnel should be established on Youtube.

Evaluation of online content of proctological disorders in the Portuguese language.

health literacy has an increasing relevance as the disseminated access to online contents may impact on community health. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of the online content of benign proctological disorders. the platforms Google© and YouTube™ were searched using the keywords hemorrhoidal disease, anal fistula, anal fissure, anal pruritus and fecal incontinence. Each page was analyzed for: interactivity, credibility, readability and content adequacy. For each video, the content, reactions and comments of the users were analyzed. Three validated scales were applied: Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG); Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), and quality criteria for consumer health information on treatment choices (DISCERN). a total of 127 webpages and 113 videos were evaluated. Forty webpages (31.50 %) included images and ten (37.04 %) had informative videos. The SMOG scale had an average value of 9.91 ± 0.94, which estimates the need for ten years of schooling for comprehension and 64 webpages (52.07 %) presented a reading level higher than the recommended B1. The mean SAM score was 39.46 ± 11.2 % and the DISCERN scale averaged 40.33 ± 5.69, corresponding to a reasonable content. Only 20 pages (15.75 %) included interactivity tools and 44 (34.64 %) contained bibliographic references. The videos posted by patients (n = 67, 59.2 %) had the highest number of views and positive comments whereas videos from health professionals (n = 21; 18.75 %) had the highest proportion of requests for additional information. online content regarding benign proctological disorders is globally inappropriate for the health literacy level of the Portuguese population, both at the written and reading levels.

Readability and Suitability of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Health Literacy Assessment

Category:Other; Ankle; Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Health literacy is consistently reported as one of the best predictors of health status. This becomes even more important considering the complex medical information that is communicated to a patient during a clinical visit. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used on a standard of care basis in orthopedic surgery, and consistently included in research projects to elucidate meaningful clinical information. While there have been published assessments on the reading grade level of orthopedic PROMs in general, few address foot and ankle specific outcome measures. There have been no reports on aesthetic component of these PROMs, which have a major impact on readability. The purpose of this study is to report on the literacy, readability, and suitability of PROMs in foot and ankle surgery.Methods:A PubMed search was conducted to identify the most frequently utilized foot and ankle PROMs. Two recent systematic reviews identified 86 total PROMs in orthopedic surgery, 8 of which were foot and ankle specific. For the readability component, the Flesh-Kincaid reading grade level was assessed for each PROM. For the aesthetic component, the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) was utilized to assess for content, literacy demand, graphics, layout, typography, learning stimulation, motivation and cultural appropriateness. SAM is a validated measure for analyzing print materials, and designate rankings of not suitable, adequate, or superior, based on results of the analysis. SAM scores were evaluated for all included PROMs by two investigators and averaged together for increased validity. Descriptive statistics were performed on all results. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Version 24.0.Results:The average Flesh-Kincaid grade for all PROMs was 6.12 (+-2.2, range 3.9-8.5). 5 of the 8 (62.5%) PROMs were at or below the AMA-recommended 6th grade reading level, with 6 of 8 (75.0%) below the NIH-recommended 8th grade reading level. The average SAM score for all included foot and ankle PROMs was ‘adequate,’ receiving a score of 1. 1 PROM was designated ‘not suitable,’ with the remaining 7 deemed ‘adequate.’ The area that scored the lowest on the SAM assessment was the ‘graphics’ section.Conclusion:The PROMs used in foot and ankle surgery perform well on the Flesh-Kincaid score in comparison to both the AMA and NIH reading grade level standards. The highest rating for the SAM score was average, indicating room for improvement in suitability. The inclusion of graphics and illustrations would make these scores more easily understood by patients, which can improve their healthcare experience and improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

Diabetic Retinopathy Online: A Powerful Opportunity for Revision

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the quality, accuracy, content, and readability of online diabetic retinopathy (DR) information.Methods: This study reviewed the most accessible information online for content related to DR. The term, “Diabetic Retinopathy” was entered into Google, Bing, and Yahoo search engines. Assessments were performed using the DISCERN instrument, JAMA benchmark criteria, Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), HONcode, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2017 Preferred Practice Pattern Guidelines between multiple graders.Results: Twenty-two distinct websites were studied after applying exclusion criteria. The mean DISCERN score calculated was defined as poor by the scale. The mean JAMA score was low at 2 out of 7 possible points. The mean SAM score calculated was defined as adequate by the scale. Less than half of the websites were HONcode certified. Content from the Preferred Practice Pattern was inconsistently expressed throughout websites, with risk factors and management being represented more frequently than screening and diagnostics.Conclusion: The quality of online DR information for patients is overall poor, unreliable, incomprehensible, and inaccurate. Improving these parameters may assist in the overall management of DR as well as other medical diseases. Diabetes educators should not underestimate their key role in being a reliable and effective source of information on DR.

Assessing an educational booklet for promotion of healthy lifestyles in sedentary adults with cardiometabolic risk factors

Objectives1) To evaluate and improve the suitability and readability of an educational booklet designed for use in an intervention aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles as a way to manage cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with low levels of physical activity and 2) to check its acceptability to real end users. MethodsA 7-phase methodology was used. The evaluation committee (9 experts, 6 potential end users) scored the booklet using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) and health education material (HEM) questionnaires on two occasions (original and revised version). Acceptability was also assessed by 75 real end users after a lifestyle intervention. ResultsThe SAM and HEM scores of the revised booklet were respectively 10% (SD = 9%) and 10% (SD = 7%) higher than the original booklet scores. The revised version attained “superior” scoring in all questionnaires: SAM, 87% (SD = 8%); HEM, 3.5 (SD = 0.4) out of 4; Acceptability, 3.7 (SD = 0.4) out of 4. ConclusionsThe suitability and readability of an educational booklet—to promote a healthy lifestyle—were improved following a systematic peer-review evaluation prior to its use in an intervention. Practice implicationsImproving the suitability and readability of educational resources can have a positive impact on patient knowledge and awareness, and hence on intervention effectiveness.

Construction and validation of an educational booklet on care for children with gastrostomy.

to describe the process of construction and validation of an educational booklet on care for children with gastrostomy, directed to caregivers. a methodological study developed in five stages: bibliographic survey; situational diagnosis; illustration, layout, design and text construction; expert validation and Flesch-Kincaid Readability calculation; validation with the target audience. Content Validity Index and Suitability Assessment of Materials were applied for expert analysis. the Content Validity Index obtained overall score of 0.93. In the Suitability Assessment of Materials score, the booklet scored 85.2%. It presented a satisfactory readability percentage, with an overall score of 72%, and was consistent with caregivers' assessment in the validation with the target audience, considering the explanatory technology, important and adequate. the developed educational booklet was considered valid for use by caregivers, thus contributing to the maintenance of best practices in care for children with gastrostomy.

Readability and suitability assessment of educational materials in promoting the quality of life for postmenopausal women.

IntroductionEducational materials are frequently used by health providers to inform postmenopausal women about menopause acceptance behavior. However, little attention has been paid to the readability and suitability of these educational materials. The study aimed to determine the readability and suitability of educational materials in promoting the quality of life for postmenopausal women.Material and methodsMultiple instructional materials and books were used for the design and preparation of educational materials and were then tailored to the target group. Readability was measured by using the readability assessment of materials (RAM); and suitability was determined by the suitability assessment of materials (SAM) that considers characteristics such as content, graphics, layout/topography, and cultural appropriateness. Twenty reviewers, including 10 postmenopausal women, 5 postmenopausal women family members, and 5 health experts scored the educational materials.ResultsThe mean readability score ±standard deviation (SD) of the educational materials was10 ±1.6 and 8 ±1.4, for the pamphlet and daily activities’ booklets, respectively, which were increased to 14 ±0.6 and, 16 ±1.3, after tailoring the content. The average SAM scores before and after tailoring the content were 45% for the pamphlet, which was increased to 81%; 45% for the daily activities’ booklets, which was increased to 86%. The increase in all scores was significant (p < 0.001). The final tailored educational material was rated “superior media” on the SAM ratings.ConclusionsGiven that most of the printed materials are suitable for people with higher education levels, health providers are strongly advised to prepare simple and understandable education materials that may increase the likelihood of consumer perception and recall.

An evaluation of the suitability, readability, quality, and usefulness of online resources for family caregivers of patients with cancer

ObjectiveEvaluate the suitability, readability, quality, and usefulness of publicly available online resources for cancer caregivers. MethodsResources identified through a Google search and environmental scan were evaluated using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), an online readability text analysis tool, the DISCERN (quality), and caregivers' unmet needs checklist (usefulness). Descriptive analyses and cluster analysis to identify the group of resources with the highest SAM and DISCERN scores were performed. Results55 resources were evaluated. The suitability of 48/55 (87%) resources were categorized as adequate (SAM scores 40–69), with no resources ranking in the superior category (SAM scores > 70%). The readability of 51/55 (93%) resources exceeded 9th grade reading level. The mean quality score as a percentage was 49% (SD 11.5). On average resources addressed 9.9/33 unmet needs (SD = 5.8). A high-quality cluster was identified and included 15 (27%) websites. ConclusionOnline resources for cancer caregivers are not optimal in terms of their suitability, readability, quality, and usefulness. The highest ranked resources include, Cancer Council Australia’s booklet, Caring for Someone with Cancer, and the American Cancer Society’s webpages, Caregivers and Families. Practice implicationsStudy findings will allow healthcare professionals to better address cancer caregivers’ needs by recommending the most optimal resources.

Readability and Suitability Assessment of Adolescent Education Material in Preventing Hookah Smoking

Background: Educational material is frequently used by health providers to inform adolescences about the health hazards of hookah. However, little attention has been paid to the readability and suitability of these adolescent educational materials. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the readability and suitability of adolescent educational material in preventing hookah smoking. Patients and Methods: Multiple authoritative resources were chosen for the design and preparation of educational material and were then tailored to the target group. Readability was measured by using the readability assessment of materials (RAM); and suitability was determined by the suitability assessment of materials (SAM) that considers characteristics such as content, graphics, layout/topography, and cultural appropriateness. Fifteen reviewers, including 10 adolescents and 5 health experts scored the educational material. Results: The mean readability score ± standard deviation (SD) of the educational media was 9 ± 1.9, 10 ± 1.1, and 9 ± 1.7, for the pamphlet, brochure, and poster, respectively, which were increased to 15 ± 1.3, 17 ± 0.7, and 16 ± 1.5 after tailoring the content. The average SAM scores before and after tailoring the content were 79% for the pamphlet, which was increased to 90%; 81% for the brochure, which was increased to 93%; and 79% for the poster, which was increased to 93%. The increase in all scores was significant (P < 0.05). The final tailored educational material was rated “superior media” on the SAM ratings. Conclusions: The findings indicated that the readability and suitability of the educational material were increased. Compliance with these recommendations may increase the likelihood of consumer perception and recall.

An evaluation of the suitability, readability, and quality of online resources for the self-management of depression

ObjectiveTo evaluate online depression self-management (SM) resources based on their readability, suitability, and quality to determine their appropriateness for use by patients. MethodsA Google search using patients’ most frequently searched terms was conducted. Resources were evaluated using readability indices, the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), and the DISCERN tool. The number of SM skills and other contributing factors (e.g., resource format) were also evaluated. ResultsThe mean readability score across the sample was grade 10 (SD 1.5, range 8–14) and 22.2% of resources (n = 6) met the criteria for superior suitability. The mean sample scores were 58.8% (SD 11.6, range 36%–81%) for the DISCERN and 4.4 for SM skills (SD 1.6, range 2–8). SAM and DISCERN scores were found to be significantly correlated (Pearson correlation-coefficient 0.70). A cluster analysis of SAM and DISCERN scores suggested two groups that were significantly different (t-test, P < 0.001): 8 resources in a “high quality” cluster and 19 resources in a “medium/low” quality cluster. ConclusionEight publicly available online resources scored highly. However, the readability of all the resources evaluated exceeded recommended levels. Practice implicationsResources that are accessible to people with lower literacy levels and increased user-friendliness are needed.

Drug court handbooks suitability for programme participants with low literacy

Objective:The objective of this study was to describe the suitability of adult drug court handbooks for participants with low literacy.Methods:A convenience sample of seven drug court participant handbooks from urban drug courts in three regions of the USA were assessed for reading and literacy suitability for low-literacy learners using the Fry Index Readability Formula and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). The Fry Index Readability Formula follows an objective approach using a three-step process of counting three random samples of 100-word passages to calculate grade reading level. The SAM uses a 0–2 range scale to assess six distinct factors of written materials to yield a numerical score as superior, adequate or not suitable.Results:All handbooks were written above the reading level for low-literacy learners with scores at the eighth grade reading level or higher. A few handbooks scored adequate ratings in some SAM categories, and only two handbooks scored superior ratings in any one category. Overall SAM scores showed all handbooks were not suitable for low-literacy learners.Conclusion:Findings indicate that drug court participant handbooks from this sample are not written for low-literacy learners. Key recommendations are to develop a drug court handbook appropriate for participants with low literacy, assess drug court participants’ literacy for reading grade level and comprehension and provide multi-modal teaching formats to promote effective learning.