A Computer-Based Readability Analysis of Consumer Materials on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Website

Abstract

reading grade levels displayed. Results: According to 4 different readability formulas, an overwhelming majority (85.4% or more) of the 225 consumer documents exceeded the 5th-to 6thgrade reading levels recommended by health literacy experts. Conclusion: Many consumer articles on the ASHA website are likely to be of limited value to individuals with low health literacy. As a result, consumers might misinterpret or misapply information contained in the articles, putting themselves or those they care for at risk, or simply fail to seek help.

A systematic method for reviewing and analysing health information on consumer‐oriented websites

“…This step is essential if consumer‐oriented literature on the Internet is to be of value, particularly to those with low or limited health literacy (Atcherson et al. (). Numerous methods exist to assess readability of website content.…”

“…Analysis of the readability of websites is related to the concept of health literacy, which refers to the consumer's ability to read and understand health-related material and subsequently make an informed choice (Storms, Claes, Aertgeerts, & van den Broucke, 2017). This step is essential if consumer-oriented literature on the Internet is to be of value, particularly to those with low or limited health literacy (Atcherson et al (2014). Numerous methods exist to assess readability of website content.…”

Readability of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Adult Audiologic Rehabilitation

“…Consequently, it is the readability of a document that makes it comparably easier, or more difficult, to read than another (DuBay, 2004). If the reading level of a document exceeds that which the intended audience is capable of comprehending, they are at risk of not only failing to understanding the material, but also of giving up entirely (Atcherson et al, 2014;DuBay, 2004). As such, the concept of readability poses a difficult question for healthcare providers.…”

“…Previous research has consistently found that the readability of health information (including patient-reported outcome measures used within the healthcare field) has exceeded those levels recommended by health literacy experts (D'Alessandro et al, 2001;Edmunds et al, 2013;Hansberry et al, 2014;Kong & Hu, 2015;Paasche-Orlow et al, 2003;Rudd et al, 2000;Sabharwal et al, 2008;Safeer and Keenan, 2005;Sharma et al, 2014;Svarstad et al, 2003;Zorn et al, 2004). The field of audiology is no exception (Atcherson et al, 2013(Atcherson et al, , 2014Donald & Kelly-Campbell, 2016;Joubert & Githinji, 2014;Laplante-Lévesque, Brännström, et al, 2012;Ritchie et al, 2016;Swartz, 2010). More specifically, recent research into the readability of audiologic PROMs continues to reveal that the reading grade levels of these questionnaires consistently exceed the recommended 4 th to 6 th grade (Atcherson et al, 2011(Atcherson et al, , 2013Kelly-Campbell et al, 2012).…”

“…Atcherson et al (2014) examined the readability of audiology and speech language pathology related consumer materials available to the public on the ASHA website. The readability of the materials was calculated according to four different formulas (Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning FOG, and FORCAST).…”