Assessing the language availability, readability, suitability and comprehensibility of heat-health messaging content on health authority webpages and online resources in Canada

Emily J. Tetzlaff; Kristina-Marie T. Janetos; Katie E. Wagar; Farah Mourad; Melissa Gorman; Victor Gallant; Glen P. Kenny

PEC Innovation (Jun 2025)

Assessing the language availability, readability, suitability and comprehensibility of heat-health messaging content on health authority webpages and online resources in Canada

Emily J. Tetzlaff,
Kristina-Marie T. Janetos,
Katie E. Wagar,
Farah Mourad,
Melissa Gorman,
Victor Gallant,
Glen P. Kenny

Affiliations

Emily J. Tetzlaff: Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Climate Change and Health Office, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Kristina-Marie T. Janetos: Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Katie E. Wagar: Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Farah Mourad: Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Melissa Gorman: Climate Change and Health Office, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Victor Gallant: Climate Change and Health Office, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Glen P. Kenny: Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Corresponding author at: University of Ottawa, School of Human Kinetics, 125 University Private, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 6
p. 100368

Abstract

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Objectives: Heat-health communication initiatives are a key public health protection strategy. Therefore, understanding the potential challenges that all Canadians and specific groups, such as those facing literacy barriers and non-native language speakers, may experience in accessing or interpreting information, is critical. Methods: This study reviewed and evaluated the language availability, readability, suitability, and comprehensibility of heat-related webpages and online resources (n = 417) published on public health authority websites in Canada (n = 73). Six validated readability scales and a comprehensibility instrument were used. Results: Most content was presented in English (90 %); however, only 7 % of the online resources were available in more than one language. The average reading grade level of the content (grade 8) exceeded the recommended level (grade 6), and only 22 % of the content was deemed superior for suitability and comprehensibility. Conclusions: Our study evaluating web-based materials about extreme heat published by Canadian health authorities provides evidence that the current language availability, readability, suitability, and comprehensibility may be limiting the capacity for members of the public to discern key messaging. Innovation: To ensure all Canadians can access and interpret information related to heat-health protection, public health authorities may consider translating their materials into additional languages and incorporating a readability evaluation to improve public understanding.

Published in PEC Innovation

ISSN: 2772-6282 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/pec-innovation

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