RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism is a condition with an underactive thyroid gland. Since thyroid hormones play a significant role in metabolism, hypothyroidism is often associated with metabolic syndrome. Thus, the patient's awareness regarding metabolic syndrome is crucial. OBJECTIVES: To develop and evaluate a Pictogram-based Patient Information Leaflet (P-PIL) for hypothyroidism with metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental study without a control group. The P-PIL was developed and validated using the Lawshe Method, translated, and evaluated with 72 patients (24 patients each for English and regional languages, Kannada and Malayalam). RESULTS: The leaflet's Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) scores were 62.0 and 7.1, respectively. The Baker Able Leaflet Design (BALD) index of English, Kannada, and Malayalam versions of the P-PIL were 28, 27, and 27, respectively. The user testing of the P-PIL was assessed in 72 patients. The overall mean knowledge assessment scores significantly improved from 52.92 ± 6.90 to 77.92 ± 9.31. The majority of patients, precisely 84.72%, expressed a positive opinion regarding the design and layout of the P-PIL. CONCLUSION: The evaluation results strongly suggest that this P-PIL can be an effective educational tool for hypothyroidism patients with metabolic syndrome.
