161056 Using digital animation to combat low health literacy: Results of tailored patient education programs for diabetes prevention and childhood health

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Pamela Whitten, PhD , Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Brad Love , Department of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Lorraine Buis, MSI , Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Michael Mackert, PhD , Department of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
(1) background: Health providers need efficient ways to provide patient education to improve public health while considering diverse levels of health literacy. Certain chronic conditions as well as general family health issues can have immense long-term costs financially and personally. Medical bills and missed work time because of illness cause great financial stress and take millions from the American economy each year. At the same time, the accompanying concern and frustration limits quality of life for patients and family members.

(2) objective/purpose; This project had two similar aims concerning the effectiveness of Web sites designed to educate less-literate individuals. The first was to examine the design and efficacy of a Web site about a chronic condition (Type II diabetes). The second was to test the educational utility of a Web site intended to teach families about general childhood health.

(3) methods: Respondents were recruited at Medicaid-affiliated health clinics, service-based companies, English as a Second Language classes, and non-profit organizations. Respondents (n=130) completed tests of health literacy, pre- and post-intervention knowledge tests, and in-depth interviews concerning their experience.

(4) results; Interview results indicate that users were engaged and interested in the Web sites and particularly preferred the more interactive segments. Knowledge and literacy test results show that users demonstrated an increase in knowledge after viewing the sites, regardless of health-literacy level. Combined, the qualitative and quantitative data indicate that educational materials can be designed to accommodate the health literacy levels of respondents.

(5) discussion/conclusions Interactive media are capable of delivering effective, personalized health information that people find engaging and useful. In addition, such educational materials are capable of dealing with differing health literacy levels and cultural norms to help tough-to-reach audiences.

Learning Objectives:
• Describe the general process of assembling a Web site for use by low-literate individuals • Identify effective design elements for a Web site designed to educate low-literate audiences • Appreciate the ability of digital education materials to adapt to literacy levels and cultural norms. • Discuss the need for additional research on technology and public health, particularly in the realm of health literacy

Keywords: Health Literacy, Information Technology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Improving Health Literacy Through Health Informatics and Health Information Technology
See more of: Health Informatics Information Technology