Short answer
Prioritize clear, concise language and aim for a sixth-grade reading level when designing any online health information, especially for critical conditions like breast cancer.
- Field
- Human Factors
- Source
- Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) (2014)
- Method
- Content Analysis
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The majority of online breast cancer information exceeds the recommended sixth-grade reading level, hindering public comprehension and informed decision-making. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform). Using Content analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize clear, concise language and aim for a sixth-grade reading level when designing any online health information, especially for critical conditions like breast cancer.
Health Information Readability: 6th Grade Level is the Target for Online Breast Cancer Resources
The majority of online breast cancer information exceeds the recommended sixth-grade reading level, hindering public comprehension and informed decision-making.
Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) · 2014
Key Findings
- 01All evaluated breast cancer websites were written above the recommended sixth-grade reading level.
- 02The readability of online health information is a significant issue impacting public access to crucial health data.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize clear, concise language and aim for a sixth-grade reading level when designing any online health information, especially for critical conditions like breast cancer.
How to apply
When developing or reviewing health-related content, use readability tools (e.g., Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level) to ensure the text is at or below a sixth-grade reading level. Test content with a diverse group of users to confirm understanding.
Project actions
- 01When choosing a topic for your design project, consider areas where clear communication is vital, such as health or safety.
- 02Use readability tools to analyze the complexity of language in existing products or proposed designs.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a critical public health communication issue.
- +Uses a clear, measurable metric (readability level).
Limitations
The specific readability formulas used might not capture all nuances of comprehension. The study focused solely on text readability and did not account for other factors like visual aids or user experience.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the study depends on the consistency of the readability tests used. Validity is supported by the direct measurement of readability against a recognized standard for health information.
Think critically
Beyond readability scores, what other factors contribute to the effective comprehension of complex health information online?
Design Principles
"Information accessibility through simplified language is paramount for effective user comprehension in health contexts."
Effective communication of health information is crucial for patient empowerment and adherence to treatment. When information is too complex, it creates a barrier to understanding, potentially leading to misinterpretations, anxiety, and suboptimal health outcomes. Designers must prioritize accessible language to ensure their health-related content serves its intended audience.
What This Means for Your Design
Most websites about breast cancer are too hard for people to read and understand. They should be written more simply, like for a 6th grader.
How to use in your project
- 1.This research can be cited to justify the importance of clear and accessible language in your design project's documentation, particularly if it involves health-related information.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This study highlights a critical issue in health communication, where online breast cancer resources often exceed the recommended sixth-grade reading level, thereby impeding public understanding and informed decision-making. This underscores the importance of prioritizing linguistic accessibility in design, ensuring that critical information is comprehensible to a broad audience.
Source
Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform)
An Evaluation of Breast Cancer Website: Assessing the Readability of Breast Cancer Websites for The Public.
journal · 2014
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about health information readability: 6th grade level is the target for online breast cancer resources?
- Prioritize clear, concise language and aim for a sixth-grade reading level when designing any online health information, especially for critical conditions like breast cancer. Evidence: Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform) (2014).
- Why does "Health Information Readability: 6th Grade Level is the Target for Online Breast Cancer Resources" matter for design?
- Effective communication of health information is crucial for patient empowerment and adherence to treatment. When information is too complex, it creates a barrier to understanding, potentially leading to misinterpretations, anxiety, and suboptimal health outcomes. Designers must prioritize accessible language to ensure their health-related content serves its intended audience.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize clear, concise language and aim for a sixth-grade reading level when designing any online health information, especially for critical conditions like breast cancer.
- What were the main findings?
- All evaluated breast cancer websites were written above the recommended sixth-grade reading level.. The readability of online health information is a significant issue impacting public access to crucial health data.
- What research method was used?
- Content Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2014 journal from Journals & Books Hosting (International Knowledge Sharing Platform).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing or reviewing health-related content, use readability tools (e.g., Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level) to ensure the text is at or below a sixth-grade reading level. Test content with a diverse group of users to confirm understanding.
- What are the limitations?
- The specific readability tests used were not detailed, and the method for selecting websites could be subject to bias. The study did not explore the impact of visual design or user interface on comprehension.