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

BACKGROUND: Printed health education (HE) materials are commonly provided in primary health care (PHC). However, little is known about their use by PHC visitors. AIM: This study explored patients’ opinions and use of printed HE materials in order to determine an ideal output format for HE. DESIGN & SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in three PHC centres at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHOD: Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-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. CONCLUSION: Patients 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.