Interpretation of way-finding healthcare symbols by a multicultural population: navigation signage design for global health.
The interpretation of way-finding symbols for healthcare facilities in a multicultural community was assessed in a cross-sectional study. One hundred participants recruited from Al Ain city in the United Arab Emirates were asked to interpret 28 healthcare symbols developed at Hablamos Juntos (such as vaccinations and laboratory) as well as 18 general-purpose symbols (such as elevators and restrooms). The mean age was 27.6 years (16-55 years) of whom 84 (84%) were females. Healthcare symbols were more difficult to comprehend than general-purpose signs. Symbols referring to abstract concepts were the most misinterpreted including oncology, diabetes education, outpatient clinic, interpretive services, pharmacy, internal medicine, registration, social services, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and infectious diseases. Interpretation rates varied across cultural backgrounds and increased with higher education and younger age. Signage within healthcare facilities should be tested among older persons, those with limited literacy and across a wide range of cultures.
Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, P O Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Electronic address: jhashim@uaeu.ac.ae.
Muhammad Jawad
MJ
Hashim
College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, United Arab Emirates.
Mariam Salem Khamis Matar
MS
Alkaabi
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, United Arab Emirates.
Sulaiman
S
Bharwani
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D032882:Comprehension; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D006268:Health Facilities / Q000592:standards; D057220:Health Literacy; D006801:Humans; D008123:Location Directories and Signs / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014479:United Arab Emirates; D055815:Young Adult
Culture; Symbols; Way-finding