Readability and Suitability Assessment of Adolescent Education Material in Preventing Hookah Smoking

Abstract

Background: Educational material is frequently used by health providers to inform adolescences about the health hazards of hookah. However, little attention has been paid to the readability and suitability of these adolescent educational materials. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the readability and suitability of adolescent educational material in preventing hookah smoking. Patients and Methods: Multiple authoritative resources were chosen for the design and preparation of educational material and were then tailored to the target group. Readability was measured by using the readability assessment of materials (RAM); and suitability was determined by the suitability assessment of materials (SAM) that considers characteristics such as content, graphics, layout/topography, and cultural appropriateness. Fifteen reviewers, including 10 adolescents and 5 health experts scored the educational material. Results: The mean readability score ± standard deviation (SD) of the educational media was 9 ± 1.9, 10 ± 1.1, and 9 ± 1.7, for the pamphlet, brochure, and poster, respectively, which were increased to 15 ± 1.3, 17 ± 0.7, and 16 ± 1.5 after tailoring the content. The average SAM scores before and after tailoring the content were 79% for the pamphlet, which was increased to 90%; 81% for the brochure, which was increased to 93%; and 79% for the poster, which was increased to 93%. The increase in all scores was significant (P < 0.05). The final tailored educational material was rated "superior media" on the SAM ratings. Conclusions: The findings indicated that the readability and suitability of the educational material were increased. Compliance with these recommendations may increase the likelihood of consumer perception and recall.

Readability and suitability assessment of educational materials in promoting the quality of life for postmenopausal women

“…This finding is consistent with results from the Sadeghi et al . study in Iran about the readability and suitability assessment of adolescent education materials in preventing hookah smoking [ 37 ], Hoffmann et al . in Australia about assessing the suitability of written stroke materials: an evaluation of the interrater reliability of the SAM checklist [ 12 ] and Rhee et al .…”

“…study titled “The Suitability of Written Education Materials for Stroke Survivors and Their Carers was (grade 9) higher than participants” mean reading ability (grade 7-8) [ 40 ], while the mean score of readability of pamphlet in this study was acceptable (> 10) that is not consistent with Eames’s study but This finding is consistent with results from the Sadeghi et al . study [ 37 ]. Thus modifying printed educational material and tailoring them according to the target group is important for facilitating learning and recall of the information.…”

Predictive factors for preventing hookah smoking and health promotion among young people based on the protection motivation theory

“…The most important reasons for its use from the public's point of view are people's lack of knowledge about its harms, the availability of various tobacco flavors, its low costs, social acceptance, and youths attempt to gain personal and social identity, enjoyment, and self-esteem. [2223] From the World Health Organization's point of view, misconceptions about the safe and harmless nature of hookah are the main reasons of its consumption. [24]…”

Determiners of fast-food consumption in Iranian university students: Application of prototype/willingness model

“…[ 9 ] In various studies, the use of health education models has been effective in preventing high-risk behaviors. [ 10 11 12 ] Theories and models are considered as useful and facilitative means of health education and promotion. They can tell us why some people resist healthy behaviors and how we can help them show such behaviors.…”