Abstract

Background: Educational materials are frequently used by health care providers to inform university students and young people about smoking and the health risks of smoking. However, little attention has been paid to the readability and suitability of these educational materials. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the readability and suitability of educational materials in preventing smoking for university students. Methods: Multiple instructional materials and books were used for the design and preparation of educational materials and were then tailored to the target group. Readability was measured by using the readability assessment of materials (RAM); and suitability was determined by the suitability assessment of materials (SAM) that considers characteristics such as content, graphics, layout/topography, and cultural appropriateness. Twenty reviewers, including 15 students and 5 health specialists scored the educational materials. Results: The mean readability score standard deviation(SD) of the educational materials was 8 +/- 1.6, 9 +/- 1.5 and 10 +/- 1.7, for the booklet, the pamphlet of the skill of saying no, smoking pamphlet and quitting it, respectively, which were increased to 15 +/- 1.4, 16 +/- 1.7and 17 +/- 0.8, after tailoring the content. The average SAM scores before and after tailoring the content were 45 for the booklet, which was increased to 88 and 75 for the pamphlet of the skill of saying no, which was increased to 93 and 79for the smoking pamphlet and quitting it,which was increased to 95.The increase in all scores was significant (p<0.01).The final tailored educational material was rated "superior media" on the SAM ratings. Conclusions: Given that most of the printed materials are suitable for people with higher education levels, health providers are strongly advised to prepare simple and understandable education materials that may increase the likelihood of consumer perception and recall.