FOCUSING ON THE HEALTH LITERACY IN ATHLETES IN TURKEY: STUDYING THE READABILITY OF PACKAGE LEAFLETS OF COMMONLY USED DERMATOLOGICAL MEDICATIONS AMONG SPORTS STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Readability relates to the text's readability at a specific educational level. At home, patients are asked to study the package inserts (instructions for use) for their prescribed drugs to learn about their effects and side effects. However, different sports students frequently struggle to comprehend medicine leaflets due to a lack of knowledge or awareness. As they typically suffer from various injuries and skin diseases due to increased exposure to the sun or pollution, it is important to determine the readability level of these leaflets in this context. Thus, the present study assesses the Readability of Turkish package inserts for medications dermatologists prescribe to sports students regularly. Materials and Method: Readability indexes created by Ateşman and Bezirci-Yılmaz, which have proven useful for analyzing Turkish literature, were utilized in the present study. Before initiating the research project, the package inserts of commonly used commercially accessible medications were gathered via Google. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, retinoic acids, and moisturizers were categorized as the most often used medications in dermatology therapy for athletes. Results: The package leaflets tested using the Bezirci- Yılmaz readability formula were comprehensible by individuals with a mean education level of 11,3±1.9 years. Based on the Ateşman readability formula, the medicine package inserts scored an average of 55,1±7.8 points and were deemed readable by persons with an 11th- to 12-year-old education level. The medications were categorized as antihistamines, steroids, retinoic acids, and moisturizing agents. A subgroup examination of students majoring in sports found no significant difference between the readability levels identified by the Bezirci-Yılmaz and Ateşman formulas. (p= 0.988, p= 0.277).Conclusion: The packaging inserts accompanying drugs must be legible. The texts for regularly used medications in dermatological treatment were found to be understandable by eleven-year-old sports students. The readability of such materials may promote patient adherence to prescribed therapies.