The use of pictograms to convey health information regarding side effects and/or indications of medications

Abstract

The use of pictograms to communicate health information to people with language barriers or limited health literacy may improve patient understanding and increase the efficiency of treatment of such individuals. The ability to communicate potential side effects of medications to all patients, regardless of age, gender, education level, or personal background, is an important aspect of pharmaceutical therapy. The current study assesses pictogram preferences of 28 different medication side effects or indications based on the responses of 2719 participants with diverse characteristics and backgrounds. The results show that country of residence, as well as level of education, have an influence on pictogram preference. Culture-specific and education level-specific pictograms may be essential for the effective communication of health information. Future studies may help to further elucidate pictogram preferences that are universally understood.

Keywords:

• Demographics
• Health literacy
• Language barrier
• Pictograms
• Pictogram preference
• Side effects

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge Mr Govinda Ajmera and Ms Juliet James, Pharm D interns from India for their help in generating data from India.