This project will develop and test a model to evaluate the cultural appropriateness and reading level of educational materials, videos, and written instructions given to African American diabetics and to determine the appropriateness of these educational materials for low literacy African Americans. The project will help improve participant comprehension level of diabetes related instructional materials, thus reducing preventable complications and the corresponding costs. It is focused on assisting African Americans with low reading levels to be able to read and understand the educational information presented in order to participate in self-care activities. Persons who are unable to understand the health promotion information provided to them are unable to control their diabetes.
The researcher will seek input from a focus group of low literacy individuals about the readability of educational materials developed for diabetics and substitute language that is more easily understood. New educational materials that are appropriate for low literacy individuals will be developed. The diabetes instructional materials will be evaluated for reading level and alternate phrasing will be developed to improve the appropriateness of the materials for low literacy individuals. Guidelines for developing low literacy educational materials will be published based on the findings of the project.
Learning Objectives: 1. Developing new educational materials that are appropriate for low literacy individuals. 2. Discussion on improving participant comprehension level of diabetes related insructional materials
Keywords: Diabetes, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Community health organizations
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.