Determination of the readability and understandability of brochures used for education and information in the field of health

Objective: The study was planned to determine the readability and understandability of the brochures used for education and information purposes in the field of health. Method: The research was conducted as a descriptive type. In order to evaluate the readability, 33 brochures used in Health Science University Antalya Training and Research Hospital were examined. In order to evaluate the understandability of the brochures, 660 individuals who applied to polyclinics and their relatives in this hospital evaluated the brochures with the "Brochure Evaluation Form for the Reader" prepared in accordance with the literature. The study was conducted between December 2018 and January 2019. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and Chi-Square analysis were used to evaluate the data. Results: The average word length (AWL) of the brochures was calculated as 2.99±.22 syllables and average sentence length (ASL) as 9.20±1.82 words. The readability score according to the Ateşman's formula was 54.58 ± 9.58. It was determined that 30.3% of the brochures were difficult, 66.7% of them were in medium difficulty and 3% were easy to read. The average of Çetinkaya-Uzun readability of the brochures was 32.09±5.86. In the classification made according to the Çetinkaya-Uzun readability formula, it was found that 66.7% of the brochures were frustration level, and 33.3% of them were in the instructional reading level. A significant difference was found between the readability of the brochures according to Ateşman and Çetinkaya-Uzun readability classification and the difficulty of understanding medical terms (p <.05). Conclusion: As a result of the research, it was found that the readability of the brochures used in Antalya Training and Research Hospital was difficult to read and people should be at least eighth-grade level to read the majority of the brochures. In this context, the brochures should be reviewed to make their readability easier. The understandability of the brochures can be increased by reducing the number of medical terms, explaining the Turkish equivalents of the medical terms and preparing the information given in accordance with the patient needs. Keywords: Brochures, readability, understandability, health, patient education