A critical evaluation of pictogram based patient information leaflet on hypothyroidism patients with metabolic syndrome: a visual approach to enhance health literacy.

INTRODUCTION

Hypothyroidism is a condition with an underactive thyroid gland. Since thyroid hormones play a significant role in metabolism, hypothyroidism is often associated with metabolic syndrome. Thus, the patient's awareness regarding metabolic syndrome is crucial.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and evaluate a Pictogram-based Patient Information Leaflet (P-PIL) for hypothyroidism with metabolic syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a quasi-experimental study without a control group. The P-PIL was developed and validated using the Lawshe Method, translated, and evaluated with 72 patients (24 patients each for English and regional languages, Kannada and Malayalam).

RESULTS

The leaflet's Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) scores were 62.0 and 7.1, respectively. The Baker Able Leaflet Design (BALD) index of English, Kannada, and Malayalam versions of the P-PIL were 28, 27, and 27, respectively. The user testing of the P-PIL was assessed in 72 patients. The overall mean knowledge assessment scores significantly improved from 52.92 ± 6.90 to 77.92 ± 9.31. The majority of patients, precisely 84.72%, expressed a positive opinion regarding the design and layout of the P-PIL.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation results strongly suggest that this P-PIL can be an effective educational tool for hypothyroidism patients with metabolic syndrome.