Patients’ utilisation and perception of the quality of printed health education materials in primary health care: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundPrinted health education (HE) materials are commonly provided in primary health care (PHC). However, little is known about their use by PHC visitors.AimThis study explored patients’ opinions and use of printed HE materials in order to determine an ideal output format for HE.Design & settingThis was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in three PHC centres at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.MethodData were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsFifty-five point two per cent of participants obtained printed HE materials from PHC waiting areas. The majority read one or more materials and found it helpful and memorable. Seventy-seven point two per cent applied the written message, 24.0% of participants regularly read HE materials, and more than half spent time reading them in the PHC centre’s waiting area. Around half (51.1%) put the material back in its place after reading it. The preferred format was card with text and graphs. The preferred content was healthy lifestyle advice.ConclusionPatients do use printed HE materials in a positive way. More efforts are needed to improve the quality of the materials. Different healthcare providers should contribute more in HE.