The Readability Study: A Randomised Trial of Health Information Written at Different Grade Reading Levels

• DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-09200-z
• Publication Date: 2024-12-20T17:22:50Z
• Authors: Olivia Mac; Julie Ayre; Kirsten McCaffery; Farzaneh Boroumand; Katy Bell; Danielle M. Muscat
• Keywords: Health Literacy

Abstract Background Despite increasing attention on health literacy and the inclusion of grade reading level recommendations in guidelines, it remains unclear if lowering written information to specific target grades improves patient-related outcomes. Objective To assess whether affects knowledge, perceived ease, acceptability trustworthiness and, explore at a lower reduces disparities outcomes across levels. Design We conducted 4-arm online randomized trial with community sample adults living Australia from 31 July 20 September 2023. Experimental Arms Participants were randomised one four arms: Information about sciatica knee osteoarthritis 8, 10, 12 or 14 level. Readability was assessed using SMOG Index iteratively revised each grade. Measures Primary outcome knowledge conditions. Secondary brief (i.e., usefulness likelihood recommend) information. Results 2235 participants included analysis. Mean age 41 years 54.5% identified as female. Low 28.2% participants. found no evidence main effect (grade 8: 9.0 (SD = 2.7), 10: 9.1 2.6), 12: 8.9, 14: 2.7). high had higher scores overall, however, there that modified There significant differences any secondary Conclusions Our study showed difference when manipulated alone. findings indicate is limited value reducing without other principles. ANZCTR registry number ACTRN12623000224628p.