Health Literacy In Action:

1. Health Literacy In Action: An Immunization Curriculum Development Process

2. The ability to read, understand, and act on health information Health Literacy Defined:

3. Literacy Vs. Health Literacy • Limited health literacy is not restricted to adults with limited overall literacy skills. • Most health education materials are far too difficult for people with low literacy skills and are also "above the heads" of average and above-average readers. • Many of us have low health literacy as a side effect of medications, illness, anxiety, fear, being in a medical environment, and many other factors.

4. Peer Language Review Process • Text and ideas were drafted by experts and based on research • To enhance validity, a consistent team facilitated the process across counties • The same materials were reviewed in each session to ensure that comments and revisions were similar, regardless of facilitators or the representation of the group

5. Peer Language Review Process • Uses members of the target audience • Participants provide feedback on the layout of the materials • Participants were asked to give feedback on the language, sentence structure and content on materials • Participants were asked to improve the readability and relevance of the materials

6. Peer Language Review Process • 3 representative counties were chosen: Saginaw (urban), Sanilac (rural), St Clair (mixture) • Participants were recruited from existing MSUE programs to ensure target audience • Groups were limited to 10 participants per session to allow for small group work and easier group interaction

7. Peer Language Review Process • A total of 12 participants were involved in the process • Participants engaged in a mixture of small group, individual and full group activities • Participants were provided breakfast, lunch and a stipend for participating in the process

8. Materials Reviewed • Pre Immunization Survey • Why Immunize? • Disease Pictures (visuals) • Why Bee Wise and Immunize • Adapted Immunization Schedule • How to Comfort Before, During and After Immunizations • A total of 19 pieces were reviewed

9. Results • Immunization materials are written in everyday language when appropriate • Reading level of parent handouts is appropriate for variety of audiences • Participants engaged in a vigorous learning experience • Participants connected with others in their communities, increasing support networks

10. Does Peer Language Review Process Work? • Has been used with a variety of audiences • Has been used with a variety of materials (parenting, financial literacy, environmental, health, etc) • Let’s try it! • Read through the handout in front of you • As I read the sentences, ask yourself: • Is there a better way to say this? • How would I say this when I talk to my friends?

11. Before Peer Language

12. After Peer Language