Purpose: To determine whether the literacy level of your selected health education resource is appropriate
for at risk populations.
Directions: Select a written (or downloaded from internet source) health education resource (pamphlet,
handout, etc.) that you would find at a healthcare facility such as a clinic, health care provider’s office, or
hospital.
Using your selected health education resource, write an APA style paper to communicate the following:
- Define health literacy with a scholarly source.
- Analyze the impact of low literacy on health promotion and health education with a scholarly source.
- Identify and discuss three at risk populations for low health literacy (based on community
demographics and risk factors known in the literature for low health literacy).
- Calculate the literacy level of the selected education resource using the SMOG Formula (SMOG
Readability Calculator: http://www.online-utility.org/english/readability_test_and_improve.jsp).
- Analyze the results and present report findings.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of the literacy level of the education resource for the three identified at
risk populations.
- Explain and justify SMOG recommendations to enhance the readability of the educational material for
the three identified at risk populations.
Full Answer Section
At Risk Populations for Low Health Literacy
Certain populations are at increased risk for low health literacy, including:
- Individuals with low educational attainment
- Individuals with limited English proficiency
- Older adults
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups
Calculating the Literacy Level of a Health Education Resource Using the SMOG Formula
The SMOG Formula is a readability formula that can be used to estimate the reading level of a text. To calculate the SMOG readability index of a text, count the number of polysyllabic words in the text (i.e., words with three or more syllables). Then, multiply that number by 3 and add 9. The resulting number is the SMOG readability index.
Analyzing the Results and Presenting Report Findings
A SMOG readability index of 10-12 is considered appropriate for most adults. A SMOG readability index of 13 or higher is considered difficult to read, and may not be appropriate for individuals with low literacy levels.
Evaluating the Appropriateness of the Literacy Level of an Education Resource for the Three Identified At Risk Populations
To evaluate the appropriateness of the literacy level of an education resource for the three identified at risk populations, the SMOG readability index of the resource should be calculated and compared to the recommended SMOG readability index of 10-12. If the SMOG readability index of the resource is 13 or higher, the resource may not be appropriate for individuals with low literacy levels.
SMOG Recommendations to Enhance the Readability of Educational Material for the Three Identified At Risk Populations
The following SMOG recommendations can be used to enhance the readability of educational material for the three identified at risk populations:
- Use simple language and avoid jargon.
- Break up long sentences into shorter sentences.
- Use lists and tables to organize information.
- Use visuals to illustrate concepts.
- Provide definitions of unfamiliar words.
- Offer the material in multiple languages.
Example
A health education pamphlet on diabetes is being evaluated for its appropriateness for at risk populations. The SMOG readability index of the pamphlet is calculated to be 15. This means that the pamphlet is difficult to read and may not be appropriate for individuals with low literacy levels.
To enhance the readability of the pamphlet for at risk populations, the following SMOG recommendations could be implemented:
- Use simpler language and avoid jargon. For example, instead of saying "glucose tolerance test," say "blood sugar test."
- Break up long sentences into shorter sentences. For example, instead of saying "Individuals with diabetes are at increased risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease," say "People with diabetes are more likely to get heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease."
- Use lists and tables to organize information. For example, instead of writing a paragraph about the different types of diabetes medications, create a table that lists the different types of medications, their dosages, and their side effects.
- Use visuals to illustrate concepts. For example, include a diagram of the pancreas and how it produces insulin.
- Provide definitions of unfamiliar words. For example, define the word "insulin" as "a hormone that helps the body use sugar for energy."
- Offer the material in multiple languages. This is especially important for populations with limited English proficiency.
By implementing these SMOG recommendations, the health education pamphlet can be made more accessible and understandable for individuals with low literacy levels.
Sample Answer
Health Literacy
Health literacy is the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others (Healthy People 2030, 2019). It is a complex concept that encompasses a range of skills and abilities, including reading comprehension, numeracy, and critical thinking.
Impact of Low Health Literacy on Health Promotion and Health Education
Low health literacy is associated with a number of negative health outcomes, including increased rates of hospitalization, medication errors, and preventable diseases (Healthy People 2030, 2019). It can also make it difficult for individuals to access and understand health information and services, and to make informed decisions about their health.