Preparation and evaluation of information leaflet for tobacco users

BACKGROUND: There is general lack of knowledge concerning the sings, symptoms, and risk factors of oral cancer in the general population, particularly among tobacco users. A challenging measure for the health care professions is to improve patients’ knowledge about the causes and signs of oral cancer and, more importantly, to modify their health behaviors. The most frequent approach used to achieve this is production of leaflet. The aim of this study was to outline and carry out the steps involved in the production of information leaflet for tobacco users and its evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The existing materials on tobacco and its ill effects were reviewed. Leaflets were prepared based on the European Commission Guidelines for patient information leaflet and information packages. Subject experts reviewed the content of leaflet. Content validity was checked using Lawshe method. Reliability was checked using Flesch formula. RESULTS: Content Validity Ratio (CVR) value was 0.99, which was acceptable. The reliability of the final wording of the leaflet was 80, which was classified as “fairly ease.” CONCLUSION: The leaflet could be used as a health education aid to motivate tobacco users to quit tobacco use.