title: MyPyramid.gov: assessment of literacy, cultural and linguistic factors in the USDA food pyramid web site.
abstract: MyPyramid.gov, a major national Web site about healthful eating and physical activity, was analyzed for literacy, cultural, and linguistic factors relevant to consumers. The assessment used 4 standardized readability tests, 1 navigational test, availability of non-English content, and new criteria for cultural factors. Readability scores averaged between grade levels 8.8 and 10.8, and half the navigation criteria were met. The Web site was available in Spanish, but it had little cultural tailoring for English speakers. It is recommended that MyPyramid's readability, navigation, and cultural tailoring be improved. References are provided to help educators learn more about assessing and using Internet communication with diverse audiences.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Califoria, Berkeley, California 94720-7360, USA. lindan@berkeley.edu
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Neuhauser
authors.forename: Rebeccah
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rothschild
authors.forename: Fátima M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D011932:Reading; D014481:United States; D016885:United States Department of Agriculture