Readability of the childhood immunization information forms.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the reading level required to understand childhood immunization information forms with the reading grade level of an inner-city parent/caretaker population.


METHODS
Descriptive study (parents/caretakers).


METHODS
Inner-city pediatric clinic.


METHODS
One hundred fifty English-speaking, low-income parent/caretakers.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
The reading level of our parent population ranged from grades 2.9 to 13.3, with a median grade level of 6.90. The reading levels required for the three vaccine information pamphlets issued in 1992 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, Ga) averaged 11.1 (approximately at the level of a high school junior). Eighty-six percent of our parents/caretakers did not have a reading level sufficient to cope with the easiest of the forms.


CONCLUSIONS
The vaccine information pamphlets require a reading level beyond the capability of the vast majority of our parent population. Therefore, the goal of informed consent clearly is not being met.
Melman
S T
ST
Department of Pediatrics, Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.
Kaplan
J M
JM
Caloustian
M L
ML
Weinberger
J A
JA
Smith
J
J
Anbar
R D
RD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers; D032882:Comprehension; D032962:Consent Forms; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010174:Pamphlets; D033282:Parental Consent; D010290:Parents; D010372:Pediatrics; D011932:Reading; D035862:Vulnerable Populations