Suitability and readability assessment of educational print resources related to physical activity: implications and recommendations for practice.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to assess the suitability and readability level of publicly available educational print resources related to physical activity (PA).


METHODS
Educational print resources related to PA (n=66) were requested from organizations (e.g., professional, commercial, government, and educational). The suitability assessment of materials (SAM) and the simple measure of gobbledygook (SMOG) readability measure were used to evaluate the suitability and readability of the PA resources.


RESULTS
Of the 66 PA resources, suitability scores were superior in only 10 resources (15%), adequate in 36 resources (55%), and inadequate/not suitable in 20 resources (30%). The average reading grade level for the PA resources was a 10th grade level (S.D.=1.82; Rg=5th grade to 15th grade). Only 56.5% (n=35) of PA resources depicted a primary PA recommendation that was consistent with the public health recommendation for PA.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that the majority of educational print resources related to PA have poor readability indices and inadequate to adequate suitability.


CONCLUSIONS
Health educators developing educational print resources related to PA must ensure these resources conform to the highest suitability standards. This includes developing resources that a) contain information consistent with current public health recommendations, and b) can be utilized by all individuals regardless of health literacy status.
Vallance
Jeff K
JK
Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada. jeffv@athabascau.ca
Taylor
Lorian M
LM
Lavallee
Celeste
C
D000328:Adult; D032882:Comprehension; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education; D015444:Exercise; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015980:Public Health Practice; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States