This study describes the readability levels of written instructions for methods of contraception. Materials studied include patient package inserts (PPIs) from commercial manufacturers and generic instructions (GIs) written by staff members in selected health agencies in the community and by health information publishers. Written materials were analyzed using Dale-Chall, Fry, Fog, Flesh, Flesch-Kincaid and SMOG formulas for readability. Readability levels ranged from elementary school (grade 5.5) to college (grade 13.6). Required comprehension levels of the PPIs were higher than those of the GIs for three of the four groups of contraceptives studied (diaphragms, pills, condoms).
This article reviews the classification and etiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in the adult population. A systematic diagnostic approach is discussed, equipping the NP to follow a careful history and physical, as well as focused diagnostic tests and procedures to determine the underlying cause of FUO.
This paper addresses implications of recent tobacco legislation, policy, and tobacco use among youth in the context of health care policy and services. Tobacco use prevalence and definitions and diagnoses of nicotine addiction and dependence are described. Assessment of smoking prevalence in Texas provides a case study of the problem and potential solutions for tobacco use among youth. The case study highlights specific implications to be considered when providing health care focused on prevention and risk reduction for youth. The paper concludes with implications and critical Internet resources for health care providers engaging in youth tobacco control.
Despite the fact that condoms are increasingly recommended for the prevention of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and have long been used as a barrier method of contraception, little is known about the readability of the range of materials that have been written exclusively for consumers on how to use a condom. The authors described and compared the reading comprehension levels of condom patient package inserts (PPIs) prepared commercially and those generic instructions (GIs) prepared by health care providers. Fifteen sets of PPIs and 30 sets of GIs were analyzed using six standard readability formulas (Fry, Fog, Dale-Chall, Flesch, Flesch-Kincaid, SMOG). Readability levels of the instructions ranged from grade 6.3 to 13.7. The PPIs required a significantly higher grade level for comprehension (mean 10.32) than the GIs (mean 8.69). This study suggests that instructions prepared by both sources may require a reading level above that of many consumers who need information on how to use a condom.
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