The experimental evaluation of an oral cancer information leaflet

The aims of our series of studies were: (1) to prepare an information leafl et about oral cancer for the general public; (2) to design a questionnaire to assess the level of knowledge about oral cancer; and (3) to evaluate the newly prepared leaflet. A study was conducted for each aim. For study 1, m ultiple drafts of oral cancer leaflets were distributed for comment and edi ting. For study 2, a large number of statements (n > 100) about oral cancer were compiled and judged. Redundant items were withdrawn. The final versio n was administered to criterion groups (students, dentists and the public) to assess reliability and validity. For study 3, a multigroup pre- and post -test randomised design (comprising an experimental and two control groups) was adopted to evaluate knowledge improvement from exposure to the oral ca ncer leaflet. The participants in each study were as follows: in study 1, q uestions were judged by the authors, colleagues (n = 2) and a non-patient g roup (n = 10); in study 2, undergraduate psychology students (n = 41), medi cal students (n = 60), dental students (n = 82), members of the public (n = 54) and general dental practitioners (n = 22) were respondents for the rel iability/validity assessment; and in study 3, the dental students and membe rs of the public from the previous study participated. The measure was a tr ue/false 36-item questionnaire with additional demographic questions. In st udy 1 the Flesch readability index for the leaflet equalled approximately 8 0, i.e. 'fairly easy'. In study 2 the Kuder-Richardson 20 reliability coeff icient of the questionnaire equalled 0.76. Criterion validity was confirmed with general dental practitioners scoring greater knowledge than members o f the public (p < 0.05). In study 3 participants who had access to the leaf let showed a significant increase in knowledge at post-test in comparison t o pre-test. Control group results were supportive of a positive effect from leaflet exposure. In conclusion, the design of a health information leafle t, the assessment of reliability and validity of an associated knowledge qu estionnaire and evaluation of the influence of such a leaflet should be con ducted in a series of planned steps. This approach can be used for other he alth-related issues which require dissemination of information. Three studi es have demonstrated the successful application of this design and evaluati on model to the area of oral cancer education. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.