Information needs and preferences of low and high literacy consumers for decisions about colorectal cancer screening: utilizing a linguistic model.
BACKGROUND
The use of written decision aids (DAs) in clinical practice has proliferated. However, few DAs have been developed for low literacy users, despite this group having low knowledge about healthcare and lacking involvement in health decisions.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the information needs and understanding of adults with varying literacy in relation to colorectal cancer screening, and to consider their responses to two versions of a decision aid. Participants Thirty-three men and women aged 45-74 years were recruited from Adult Basic Education classes (n = 17) and University Continuing Education programs (n = 16).


METHODS
We used qualitative methods (in-depth, semi-structured interviews) to compare and contrast the views of adults with lower and higher literacy levels, to gain a better understanding of how people with lower literacy value and interpret specific DA content and components; and determine whether needs and preferences are specific to lower literacy groups or generic across the broad literacy spectrum.


RESULTS
Regardless of literacy perspective, participants' interpretations of the DA were shaped by their prior knowledge and expectations, as well as their values and preferences. This influenced perceptions of the DAs role in supporting informed decision making. A linguistic theoretical model was applied to interpret the findings. This facilitated considerations beyond the traditional focus on the readability of materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Decision aids developers may find it useful to apply alternative approaches (linguistic) when creating DAs for consumers of varying literacy.
Smith
Sian K
SK
Screening and Test Evaluation Program, Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. sians@health.usyd.edu.au
Trevena
Lyndal
L
Nutbeam
Don
D
Barratt
Alexandra
A
McCaffery
Kirsten J
KJ
D000368:Aged; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D001315:Australia; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D032882:Comprehension; D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008037:Linguistics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009780:Occult Blood; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010358:Patient Participation