Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Pamphlets”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,207 records · Page 67Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Evaluation of the impact of current antismoking advice in the UK on women with planned pregnancies.

Smoking during pregnancy (active or passive) is associated with increased health risks to the unborn child. Current policy on antismoking advice for pregnant women in the United Kingdom is based essentially on written information by means of leaflets given to them at the first antenatal visit. We evaluated the impact of this policy on the smoking habits of pregnant women. A sample of 180 women with planned pregnancies attending antenatal clinics at two teaching hospitals in North London was recruited over a 6-month period. All women were provided with the current antismoking counselling at their first visit at the end of the first trimester and asked to fill in a questionnaire around mid-gestation. The study population included 117 (65%) women who did not currently smoke (non-smokers) and 63 (35%) who were active smokers at the beginning of their pregnancy. Thirty-nine non-smokers were found to be passive smokers. Three women took up smoking during pregnancy. Among the smokers, 53 (84.1%) women made no change in their smoking behaviour during pregnancy, seven (11.1%) reduced their cigarette consumption and only three (4.8%) gave up smoking during the first half of pregnancy. None of the partners changed their smoking habits. All women were aware that smoking in pregnancy could be deleterious to their health and that of their fetus. Despite awareness of dangers of smoking, the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women remains very high after the first antenatal visit and the current antismoking policy based essentially on leaflets is not effective. Health-care professionals should spend more time to inform women adequately about the dangers of smoking and help them to quit before pregnancy.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed2003

Information leaflets, verbal information and women's knowledge of abnormal cervical smears and colposcopy.

A cross-sectional audit by questionnaire was carried out on 100 consecutive colposcopy clinic patients. These women were first attenders, with cervical smears showing mild to severe dyskaryosis. This study assessed the delivery of information using educational leaflets and verbal counselling and the knowledge these women had in the key areas of cervical screening and colposcopy. Of the 82 patients whose questionnaires were analysed, 83% had received the educational leaflets, 61% received verbal information while 56% had received both. Of the 68 patients who had received the information leaflet, 97% read and understood it and 93% considered the information in it adequate. Overall, 91% of the patients knew which organ was being screened, 89% knew the implication of an abnormal smear and 88% were aware of the implication of defaulting from follow-up. Ten per cent of the women believed that an abnormal smear meant an early stage cancer, 54% were not aware of the effect of smoking on abnormal smears and biopsy results and only 24% were aware of follow-up plans in colposcopy. It appears that preclinic information through educational brochures and verbal counselling are achieving the desired effect by improving women's knowledge, but there is still scope for improvement. Verbal educational and written information needs to address the issues of follow-up in colposcopy and the implications of default as this may improve compliance. The number of women receiving both written and verbal information should increase from the current 56%.

Colposcopy↗
PubMed2001

Psychological distress in carers of head injured individuals: the provision of written information.

Since the early 1970s, researchers have expressed concern about the emotional well-being of family members after traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it is now widely acknowledged that TBI has long-term effects on the patient and relatives alike. Researchers have found a substantial number of relatives caring for head injured patients to show significant levels of anxiety and depression, and have emphasized the need for information for relatives on the prognosis of head injury. There are, however, very few studies that have investigated the usefulness of giving literature to relatives. Using a longitudinal, mixed variable, within- and between-subject design, the present study investigated the effect of an information booklet on levels of distress in a group of 34 carers of individuals with TBI. These results are discussed, and the proposal made that an information booklet such as the one used in the present study should become an integral part of the discharge procedure for relatives of individuals who have sustained a head injury.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

A proposal for an evidenced-based emergency department discharge form for mild traumatic brain injury.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare a sample of head injury care instruction forms available in hospital emergency departments (EDs) against evidence-based factors predictive of haemorrhage or traumatic lesions and to propose an easy-to-understand discharge instruction form for patients with concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). RESEARCH DESIGN/METHODS: Fifteen hospital discharge instruction forms were reviewed for inclusion of six factors known to be associated with the presence of haemorrhage after MTBI. ED instruction forms were also evaluated for readability. RESULTS: The 15 hospital ED instruction forms varied in what patients' caretakers were instructed to observe. Some but not all important factors associated with haemorrhage were included. The mean Flesch-Kincaid reading grade level of the discharge instruction forms was 8.2 with a mean Reading Ease score of 59.9%. CONCLUSION: EDs use discharge instruction forms listing signs and symptoms that are highly variable, confusing, not all evidence-based and often not easy to understand. This review proposes a discharge instruction form containing the six best evidence-based variables (according to the current literature) as being useful and understandable to patients and their families for home observation after MTBI.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Genetics education in a culturally diverse population--lessons learnt, future directions.

To provide equitable genetics education services, the needs of a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population must be addressed. The mission of the Centre for Genetics Education (CGE) in Australia articulates a commitment to fostering community partnerships, implementing educational strategies and evaluating the impact of genetics information and technology on society. The aim of this report is to review the ways in which CALD groups have been partners in the planning and implementation of genetics educational strategies of the Centre. Responding to the community and respecting its contribution has helped forge these partnerships and implement appropriate and relevant educational strategies. The partnerships have been effective in modulating both the protocols used in producing resources, the resource content itself, and the provision of more appropriately targeted resources for these community groups.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A winning combination: women, literacy, and participation in health care.

Health information materials written at the appropriate reading level help individuals manage their own health care. In this study, we assessed the reading ability of clients and readability of the patient information materials at a rural women's health clinic. We administered a reading comprehension test to 50 subjects and tested the patient education materials using a readability formula. More than one in six women could not read all of the patient information, which could limit their understanding, and achievement of good health care. Commercially available materials can be checked readily for reading level using software installed in most computers. This software also allows clinicians who prepare their own materials for their patients to generate versions that are appropriate for different reading levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

An analysis of printed breast cancer information for African American women.

BACKGROUND: The 1995-1998 Delta Project was designed to increase breast cancer screening among disadvantaged African American women with limited literacy skills by educating their health care professionals about breast health. The research team intended to provide onsite training and appropriate educational materials; however, they found no suitable materials. This article presents the results of an assessment of available materials and defines the need for suitable materials. METHODS: Nineteen organizations that develop cancer-related publications submitted materials intended for African American audiences. Sixty-one documents were examined for readability and cultural sensitivity. The Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch-Kincaid (F-K), and Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tools (CSAT) were used in testing. RESULTS: The mean FRE score of 65 yielded a F-K mean grade level of 7.5 (desired level: 3.5). Using CSAT, 16 documents (26%) were eliminated because they had no visuals. Twenty-two publications (37%) were culturally sensitive for all audiences and 19 (31%) were for white audiences. Four (6%) pieces specifically addressed African American women. CONCLUSIONS: Printed educational materials on breast cancer do not adequately provide information to undereducated, economically disadvantaged African American women.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1991

The "EMIO" way--a different approach to listing etiologies in differential diagnosis.

To introduce the early diagnosis concept in oncology to medical students as early as possible in their curriculum, in the Cerrahpaşa Medical School, University of Istanbul, English-speaking section, weekly workshops were added to their regular courses in Record Taking and Differential Diagnosis in the third year (six-year curriculum). A different method was selected in listing possible etiologies of signs and symptoms, to emphasize early diagnosis of malignancies. This approach aimed to arouse more interest in students who were actively participating in the formation of these lists, which finally were compiled as a syllabus.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1992

The use of illustrations and narrative text style to improve readability of a health education brochure.

Research suggests that much of the available health education literature requires a level of reading ability that makes it inaccessible to a large proportion of the population in greatest need of health information. The present study tested the value of illustrations and a narrative text style as means of improving the readability of a brochure designed to provide information on cervical cancer and condyloma. Two versions of the brochure were designed, one that had only text presented as simple sentences in bullet-type format (SMOG reading level score of 7.7), and a second version that had somewhat more difficult text formatted in a narrative style (SMOG grade level score of 8.4) together with drawings designed to complement the text. A randomized study design was used to test for comprehension, perceived ease of understanding, and overall rating of the two brochures. Women selected from one private and three public health primary-care clinics were randomly assigned to read one of the two brochures. The brochure with illustrations and narrative text was given a significantly higher overall rating than the one with bullet-type text and no illustrations, while no difference was found in perceived ease of reading. Among poor readers, comprehension was significantly greater for women who read the brochure with illustrations and narrative text, with no difference in comprehension of the two brochures for better readers. The results suggest that the use of aids such as illustrations and text style can make health education literature more accessible to high-risk populations, while remaining interesting enough to appeal to individuals at all levels of reading ability.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Reading level, learning presentation preference, and desire for information among cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Cancer patients may face a number of obstacles to learning, including complexity of information, inappropriateness of timing and method of presentation, avoidance as a way of coping, and inability to read. Patients' reading levels, preferred learning methods, and desires for information and the usefulness of two instruments in a clinical setting were investigated. One instrument provided information about sociodemographics, desire for information, and learning preferences; the second instrument, the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), assessed reading ability. RESULTS: The 63 patients studied, most of whom were African American, wanted all available information (90%), desired participation in care decisions (68%), and preferred personal interactive learning (77%). The REALM mean score was 50.8, indicating a seventh-to-eighth-grade reading level. Over half read below their stated educational levels and would be unable to read most available patient education materials. CONCLUSIONS: Educational level did not indicate reading ability; the patients could state their desires for information and their learning preferences, and the REALM was easy to use.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Development of a patient information packet for veterans with cancer receiving chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Patient education is an important part of caring for cancer patients. Providing educational materials suitable to the particular patient population is crucial. Veterans with cancer represent a population that requires special educational materials. METHODS: A patient information packet (PIP) was developed for veteran cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The PIP contains information about chemotherapy side effects, when to call for help, available resources, and information about support groups. RESULTS: The PIP was distributed by the oncology pharmacist to 96 newly diagnosed cancer patients. One-month evaluation of 85 patients revealed that 83 had utilized the materials. Thirty-four patients had read the PIP once; 32, twice; ten, three times; and six, four or more times. The PIP had helped 13 patients decide to call the VA Hospital and had helped 16 patients decide whom to call. CONCLUSION: The PIP, developed to meet the specific needs of this patient population, was well received and utilized.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

The impact and use of written leaflets as a counselling alternative in mass antenatal HIV screening.

Pre-test counselling has been seen as a pre-requisite for HIV screening. As HIV moves into the heterosexual community, the role of HIV screening in ante-natal care has increased. As vertical transmission is the major contributor to perinatal infection HIV screening of pregnant women has become a reality. The pregnant population comprises large numbers, the practical difficulties of routine pre-test counselling and the informational demand from pregnant women themselves has necessitated the provision of ante-natal leaflets about HIV infection and AIDS. A survey of 24 London hospitals revealed only three leaflets in use, two from one hospital and one from an AIDS Charity. A content evaluation of the leaflets revealed varying readability, elements of bias and presentation factors which may all affect the usefulness of such leaflets. An in depth qualitative group on the leaflet with highest readability revealed particular concerns and highlighted the fact that the leaflets could be seen as additions and addendums to counselling but were not sufficient in themselves.

Counseling↗
PubMed1999

Effects of ZDV-based patient education on intentions toward ZDV use, HIV testing and reproduction among a US cohort of women.

This study examined the immediate effects of exposure to a patient education brochure concerning the risks and benefits of zidovudine (ZDV) therapy during pregnancy to reduce perinatal HIV transmission (protocol ACTG 076) on related knowledge, behavioural intentions and attitudes of women with and at-risk for HIV-infection. Self-reports were collected from 653 women of childbearing age from community family planning clinics and hospital-based HIV centres in 19 sites from nine US cities between May and November 1995. The intervention was a nine-page patient education brochure in Spanish, Creole and English versions, evently presenting the pros and cons of ZDV therapy to reduce perinatal HIV-transmission. Brochure exposure increased knowledge (p < 0.001) for all but one scale concerning ZDV resistance and increased the likelihood of women reporting intentions to take ZDV during pregnancy (p < 0.001) and to believe ZDV reduced transmission (p < 0.001). Brochure exposure had differential effects for some subpopulations. Intentions to have or terminate current or future pregnancies, knowledge about ZDV and attitudes toward ZDV varied mostly by ethnicity/race, language preference and HIV status. Pregnancy status, age, education and having an HIV-positive child had less impact on the brochure's effect, while income had no impact.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed2000

The health promotion implications of the knowledge and attitude of employees in relation to health and safety leaflets.

Selected aspects of the efficacy of printed leaflets produced by a government health and safety agency and widely distributed by the enforcement bodies and other organisations to promote workplace health and safety are examined. It is based on a study of 30 small or medium-sized enterprises and examines the views of 120 employers and employees regarding the availability, attractiveness, relevance and usefulness of the leaflets and estimates the reader comprehension and readability of the selected leaflets. The results indicate that the selected leaflets are considered acceptable and comprehensible by the majority of respondents. As these are typical of the leaflets available in the health and safety field this is a positive outcome. The discussion focuses around the ability of the leaflets to engage and to inform and suggestions are made to encourage a wider debate on the criteria which contribute to these two aspects of leaflet use. It is contended that leaflets will continue to be important in the attempts of those involved in workplace health and safety to facilitate learning and to contribute to the overall process of behaviour change. This study raises a number of key issues regarding the future design and use of such leaflets.

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of selected patient educational materials of various chain pharmacies.

Pharmacy literature commonly used to inform patients about medication side-effects and complications was examined for readability. Forty-five (45) informational sheets were obtained from nine national and regional pharmacies. According to the McLaughlin's SMOG (Simple Measure of Gobbledegook) formula, the reading level of the informational sheets ranged from grade 8-14 (8 = 8th grade level and 14 = collegiate level), with a mean reading level of 12. The sampled pharmacy educational materials may be too difficult for most Americans to read and comprehend. The pharmacist may assist in increasing patient compliance by offering education in a form that is understandable, which increases the likelihood of adherence to desired health behaviors.

Comprehension↗
PubMed2004

Do smokers want to know more about the cigarettes they smoke? Results from the EDUCATE study.

The present study (a) assessed smokers' receptivity to receiving information about the product features of their cigarette brand, (b) tested whether the use of targeted (personalized), brand-specific information affected participants' attention to the information, and (c) tested whether attention to the targeted information affected participants' beliefs about the product features and their smoking behavior. The study population included current cigarette smokers who called the New York State Smokers' Quit Line seeking assistance to stop smoking in February and March 2003. Subjects were randomized to one of three experimental groups. Group 1 received telephone counseling and the quit line's stop-smoking booklet, which included information on ingredients found in cigarettes. Group 2 received the same intervention as Group 1 plus a basic brochure with a generic cover. Group 3 received the same intervention as Group 2 except that the cover to the brochure was targeted to individual cigarette brand and type. All smokers who called the quit line were receptive to receiving information about their cigarette brand. In a 6-week follow-up interview, 60% of those who received the targeted product information brochure recalled receiving it vs. 51% of those who received the identical guide with the nontargeted cover. Recall of the material discussed in the brochure was slightly higher (not statistically significant) among subjects who received the brochure with the targeted cover compared with the same brochure with a basic cover. Regardless of whether the brochure was targeted, smokers' beliefs about different product features or their smoking behavior were not affected measurably, although those who reported reading some or all of the brochure had higher levels of awareness regarding low-tar, filtered, and no-additive cigarettes. Smokers are receptive to receiving information about their cigarette brand, but either persistent efforts or possibly more potent interventions to personalize the information are needed to ensure that they recall information about the cigarette brand they smoke.

Adult↗