Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Janis Biermann, MS, Pamela B. Harper, MPH, Karen Kroder, and Stephen Abelman, MBA. Education and Health Promotion, March of Dimes, 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605, 9149974434, jbiermann@marchofdimes.com

In 2003, the American Medical Association found that literacy is the best predictor of health status—stronger than age, income, employment status, education level, and racial or ethnic group. In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reported that nearly half of American adults have difficulty understanding and using health information. Research has demonstrated the effect of low health literacy on women of childbearing age. One 2004 study examined health literacy in pregnant women with diabetes. Compared to women with adequate health literacy, women with low health literacy were more likely to start prenatal care late and to be hospitalized during pregnancy. Specially designed and tested educational materials are part of the solution to improve health literacy. The March of Dimes (MOD) acknowledges the need for products on pregnancy and childbirth that are easy-to-read (written at the 5th to 7th grade reading level), and are both appealing and meaningful. This presentation will address how the MOD developed an easy-to-read list of 9 questions focused on preconception health for women to discuss with their health care provider. The purpose of the list is to help women and their providers identify risks for preterm labor before pregnancy so risk reduction can take place in order to maximize maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. This presentation will outline the process for the creation of the “I Want My 9 Months” flyer, including research, design and lessons learned from field testing. Plans for development of other easy-to-read materials will be shared.

Learning Objectives:

• List 4 possible solutions to address low health literacy.
• Discuss the importance of plain language in creating an easy-to-read education piece.

Keywords: Health Literacy, Public Health Education and Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation