Assessment of the readability of patient education materials regarding breast cancer on websites

Abstract

Introduction:The Google search engineis a widely used resource for accessing health-related patient education texts.Therefore accessible information in the texts should be accurate, up-to-dateand appropriate to the general public health literacy level. In this research,we aimed to analyze the readability of patient education texts prepared forbreast cancer presented on internet and to evaluate the content of texts.Methods:A total of 200 web sitesat Google search engine were evaluated using the terms “breast cancer and breast mass”. The averagereadability level was analyzed using Ateşman and Bezirci-Yilmaz readability formulas.The texts were also evaluated in terms of the risk factors identified in thedevelopment of breast cancer, the presence of examination and screening methodsthat could be used in early diagnosis.Results:A total 64 internet sitesthat are in compliance with the research criteria were evaluated. The overallmean reading level of the texts was found moderate, using the Ateşman formulaand college level according to Bezirci. 18 Web sites had both the risk factorsidentified in the development of breast cancer and the methods of screenings.Conclusions:Atotal 64 internet sites that are in compliance with the research criteria wereevaluated. The overall mean reading level of the texts was found moderate,using the Ateşman formula and college level according to Bezirci. 18 Web siteshad both the risk factors identified in the development of breast cancer andthe methods of screenings.

Keywords

• breast cancer
• readabilty
• enthernert i̇nformati̇on
• meme kanseri
• okunabilirlik
• internet bilgilendirmesi