A scoping review of the use of visual aids in health education materials for persons with low-literacy levelsShow others and affiliations
2021 (English)In: Patient Education and Counseling, ISSN 0738-3991, E-ISSN 1873-5134, Vol. 104, no 5, p. 998-1017Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Objective
To conduct a scoping review on the literature on visual aids in health education for persons with low-literacy.
Methods
A scoping review methodology was employed. Pre-defined selection criteria identified 47 studies for inclusion. Data were extracted in relation to: (a) definitions of low-literacy and health literacy, (b) population studied, (c) research country, (d) consent procedures, (e) visual aids used, (f) development of visual aids, and (g) targeted outcomes.
Results
Visual aids developed with persons with low-literacy demonstrated statistically significant improvements in health literacy outcomes, with benefits in medication adherence and comprehension also reported. Pictograms and videos were the most effective visual aids. Only one study adapted consent procedures for low-literacy participants.
Discussion
Visual aids in health education materials may benefit persons with low-literacy levels, but large gaps in the research base are evident. Experimental research in low- and middle-income countries, with a particular focus on consent for participants with low-literacy is needed.
Practice implications
Visual aid design needs to include stakeholders. Consent procedures and decision-making need to be specifically adapted for participants with low-literacy.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Elsevier, 2021. Vol. 104, no 5, p. 998-1017
Keywords [en]
Consent, Health education, Low health literacy, Low-literacy, Scoping review, Visual aids
National Category
Nursing
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-51250DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.11.034ISI: 000647691300012PubMedID: 33339657Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85097895540Local ID: PPembargo12;intsam;1510830OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-51250DiVA, id: diva2:1510830
Funder
The Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education (STINT)2020-12-172020-12-172021-06-03Bibliographically approved