Reading Level Adjustment for Health Literacy

Overseen By Christine M Chu, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Disqualifiers: Unable to read English

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

156 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to learn if participants are better able to understand medical handouts written at below a sixth grade reading level compared to those written at above a sixth grade reading level. The main question it aims to answer is: • Do participants score higher on a knowledge test after reading a handout written at below a sixth grade reading level compared to after reading a handout written at above a sixth grade reading level? Researchers will compare knowledge scores on pelvic organ prolapse after participants read a handout written at an eight grade reading level compared to the same handout re-written to be at a fifth grade reading level. Participants will: * Read a one page handout (written at either above or below a sixth grade reading level) on pelvic organ prolapse * Complete a one page multiple-choice test on pelvic organ prolapse

Research Team

Bertie Geng, MD

Principal Investigator

University of North Carolina

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who are being evaluated on their ability to understand medical information. There's no specific health condition required, but participants should be able to read and comprehend handouts in English to take a knowledge test afterwards.

Inclusion Criteria

Must be able to complete pen and paper questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to understand or read English

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Intervention

Participants read a one-page handout on pelvic organ prolapse and complete a multiple-choice test

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for understanding and knowledge retention after reading the handout

1 week

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Handout

Trial Overview The study is testing if there's a difference in understanding when medical handouts are written at different reading levels: one below sixth grade level and another above it. Participants will be randomly assigned to read about pelvic organ prolapse at one of these levels and then tested on the material.

Participant Groups

Group I: Below Sixth Grade Reading Level Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this experimental arm will read a simplified handout on pelvic organ prolapse written at below a sixth grade reading level.

Group II: Above Sixth Grade Reading Level Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to this control arm will read a standard handout on pelvic organ prolapse written at above a sixth grade reading level.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+