Are instructions for over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy products readable?
OBJECTIVE
To examine readability characteristics of step-by-step directions presented in "How to Use" sections of over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products.


METHODS
Step-by-step directions of all (n=6) currently available OTC NRTs were assessed on reading grade level, text point size, dimensions, and illustrations.


RESULTS
The mean readability was at grade level 10.5+/-0.8, whereas the average text point size was 9.2+/-1.3. Two OTC NRT products provided illustrations to supplement step-by-step directions.


CONCLUSIONS
As currently presented, the readability characteristics of "How to Use" sections of OTC NRTs do not facilitate consumer understanding.
Stevens
Amy B
AB
University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA.
McDaniel
Kelly S
KS
Glover
Elbert D
ED
Wallace
Lorraine S
LS
D006801:Humans; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011932:Reading; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D013663:Teaching
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D009538:Nicotine