Readability and content analysis of print cholesterol education materials.

This article reports the results of an analysis of the readability levels and content of 38 print cholesterol education materials available from government, health agency, professional association, university and industry sources. Each item was characterized according to the primary intended audience (general public, public and screening participants, or those identified with elevated cholesterol and patients in treatment), size, length and appearance. Readability analysis was done using the SMOG and Fog Grading formulas and content analysis examined the presence of messages in each of nine key areas. The readability assessment revealed that the average reading grade level was close to Grade 11, which is too difficult for many adults. Content analysis suggested a need to better address other heart disease risk factors, portion size and the use of brand name food recommendations. Further practice and research needs are identified.