Keywords
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals; Chemical exposures; Reproductive health; Health education materials
Abstract
Background: To identify effective methods of developing and delivering consumer health education materials related to reproductive health and the environment.
Methods: One focus group (n=58). Inclusion criteria were self-selected attendees from the 2014 Reproductive Health and the Environment conference held in Los Angeles. The focus group was divided into eight groups with seven to ten participants. A table facilitator and note taker were assigned to each group. The same four reproductive health and the environment consumer education publications were reviewed by each group and were selected because of their widespread availability and/or were developed by noted health professionals. The identical questions were posed to the participants by the table facilitator and related to the readability level, format, target audience, and content.
Results and discussion: The reoccurring themes identified in the publications were focused on readability levels being too high for a low literacy population, and content too complex and presented in hard to follow formats. Additionally, the fear levels were considered at a level that could immobilize action instead of motivating change. The font styles and sizes, along with a cluttered design, were other variables that limited the impact of some of the publications reviewed. A wallet card format was the recommendation for a future publication. Surveys with drafts of the wallet card were distributed to 20 women in the target audience soliciting their responses to the information and format.
Conclusion: A community participatory process for developing the wallet card and translating it into Spanish translation was essential for individuals and communities to take action in reducing exposure. Affordable and easy to adopt recommendations for actions are essential when targeting low income women.
Citation
Alvarez J, Friedman J, Singh KT and Pregler J. Reproductive Health and the Environment Consumer Education Materials: Aiming for Action amongst Low Income and Low Literacy Populations. SM J Public Health Epidemiol. 2016; 2(2): 1030.