Abstract

BARRIO-CANTALEJO, Inés Mª et al. Opinion of the patients about legible health education leaflets. Index Enferm [online]. 2008, vol.17, n.4, pp.236-240. ISSN 1699-5988.

Introduction: Healthcare Service usually provides patients with leaflets relating to treatment. Often, this material is written not very legible and patients have difficulty understanding it. Aims: This study aims to determine the opinion of readers in relation to the requisites that should be met by this material in order to ensure legibility. Design: Qualitative method of semi-structured interviews. Method: Twelve interviews were conducted. Open-ended questions were asked in each interview. Participants had a low academic level, poor reading habits, but they usually were capable of read. Finding: Eight categories were identified that describe the opinion of the participants in relation to the requisites that the leaflets must meet in order to improve legibility: Writing like speaking, interest in the subject, direct style, order of the ideas, affirmative messages, images and clear fonts. Conclusions: Health professionals and writers of educational leaflets should involve patients in the process of designing educational material.

Keywords : Health education; Citizen participation; Empowerment; Primary health care.