Health Literacy In Action:

An Immunization Curriculum Development Process

Health Literacy Defined:

The ability to read, understand, and act on

health information

Literacy Vs. Health Literacy

Limited health literacy is not restricted to adults with limited overall literacy skills.

Most health education materials are far too difficult for people with low literacy skills and are also "above the heads" of average and above-average readers.

Many of us have low health literacy as a side effect of medications, illness, anxiety, fear, being in a medical environment, and many other factors.

Peer Language Review Process

Text and ideas were drafted by experts and based on research

To enhance validity, a consistent team facilitated the process across counties

The same materials were reviewed in each session to ensure that comments and revisions were similar, regardless of facilitators or the representation of the group

Peer Language Review Process

Uses members of the target audience Participants provide feedback on the layout of the

materials Participants were asked to give feedback on the

language, sentence structure and content on materials

Participants were asked to improve the readability and relevance of the materials

Peer Language Review Process

3 representative counties were chosen: Saginaw (urban), Sanilac (rural), St Clair (mixture)

Participants were recruited from existing MSUE programs to ensure target audience

Groups were limited to 10 participants per session to allow for small group work and easier group interaction

Peer Language Review Process

A total of 12 participants were involved in the process

Participants engaged in a mixture of small group, individual and full group activities

Participants were provided breakfast, lunch and a stipend for participating in the process

Materials Reviewed

Pre Immunization Survey Why Immunize? Disease Pictures (visuals) Why Bee Wise and Immunize Adapted Immunization Schedule How to Comfort Before, During and After

Immunizations A total of 19 pieces were reviewed

Results

Immunization materials are written in everyday language when appropriate

Reading level of parent handouts is appropriate for variety of audiences

Participants engaged in a vigorous learning experience

Participants connected with others in their communities, increasing support networks

Does Peer Language Review Process Work?

Has been used with a variety of audiences Has been used with a variety of materials

(parenting, financial literacy, environmental, health, etc)

Let’s try it! Read through the handout in front of you As I read the sentences, ask yourself:

Is there a better way to say this? How would I say this when I talk to my friends?

Before Peer Language

After Peer Language