Abstract
Abstract-Background. The threat of oral cancer has generated growing concern among the military health community that its beneficiaries have access to appropriate printed health materials. This study addresses the reading level and content adequacy of printed oral cancer literature collected from 82 United States Air Force (USAF) dental clinics. Methods. Materials were subjected to a readability formula and information content analysis. Results. Readability ranged from 7th to 13th grade, consistent with the lowest grade level (high school) required for USAF personnel. Adequacy of the content of materials was highly variable. Conclusion. Few oral cancer items were retrieved, most were old, and many included misleading or incorrect information. J Cancer Educ. 2004; 19:29-36.