Presenting Numeric Information with Percentages and Descriptive Risk Labels

Abstract

Background Previous research demonstrated that providing (vs. not providing) numeric information about medications’ adverse effects (AEs) increased comprehension and willingness to use medication, but left open the question about which numeric format is best. Objective To determine which of four tested formats (percentage, frequency, percentage+risk label, frequency+risk label) maximizes comprehension and willingness to use medication across age and numeracy levels. Design In a cross-sectional internet survey (N=368; American Life Panel, 5/15/08–6/18/08), respondents were presented with a hypothetical prescription medication for high cholesterol. AE likelihoods were described using one of four tested formats. Main outcome measures were risk comprehension (ability to identify AE likelihood from a table) and willingness to use the medication (7-point scale; not likely=0, very likely=6). Results The percentage+risk label format resulted in the highest comprehension and willingness to use the medication compared to the other three formats (mean comprehension in percentage + risk label format=95% vs mean across the other three formats = 81%; mean willingness= 3.3 vs 2.95, respectively). Comprehension differences between percentage and frequency formats were smaller among the less numerate. Willingness to use medication depended less on age and numeracy when labels were used. Limitations Generalizability is limited by use of a sample that was older, more educated, and better off financially than national averages. Conclusions Providing numeric AE-likelihood information in a percentage format with risk labels is likely to increase risk comprehension and willingness to use a medication compared to other numeric formats.

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“…Research on framing effects of the quantitative format finds that percentage formats, such as "x percent of patients experience side effects" increase comprehension (and decrease perceived risk) as compared to frequency formats, such as "y out of z patients experience side effects" (Sinayev et al, 2015). Moreover, a low probability event is perceived as more likely if it is quantitatively presented as a ratio with large numbers, for instance 20/100, as compared to an equivalent ratio expressed with smaller numbers, like 2/10 ( Kirkpatrick & Epstein, 1999).…”