A multimethods randomized trial found that plain language versions improved parents' understanding of health recommendations.
J Clin Epidemiol
; 161: 8-19, 2023 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37421995
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
To assess the effectiveness of plain language compared with standard language versions of COVID-19 recommendations specific to child health. STUDY DESIGN ANDSETTING:
Pragmatic, allocation-concealed, blinded, superiority randomized controlled trial with nested qualitative component. Trial was conducted online, internationally. Parents or legal guardians (≥18 years) of a child (<18 years) were eligible. Participants were randomized to receive a plain language recommendation (PLR) or standard (SLV) verison of a COVID-19 recommendation specific to child health. Primary outcome was understanding. Secondary outcomes included preference, accessibility, usability, satisfaction, and intended behavior. Interviews explored perceptions and preferences for each format.RESULTS:
Between July and August 2022, 295 parents were randomized; 241 (81.7%) completed the study (intervention n = 121, control n = 120). Mean understanding scores were significantly different between groups (PLR 3.96 [standard deviation (SD) 2.02], SLV 3.33 [SD 1.88], P = 0.014). Overall participants preferred the PLR version mean rating 5.05/7.00 (95% CI 4.81, 5.29). Interviews (n = 12 parents) highlighted their preference for the PLR and provided insight on elements to enhance future knowledge mobilization of health recommendations.CONCLUSION:
Compared to SLVs, parents preferred PLRs and better understood the recommendation. Guideline developers should strive to use plain language to increase understanding, uptake, and implementation of evidence by the public.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pais
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Child
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Clin Epidemiol
Assunto da revista:
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá