An analysis of the readability and cultural sensitivity of information on the National Cancer Institute's Web site: CancerNet

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: To ascertain the level of reading skills required by lay people who access patient-related cancer information through CancerNet, the Web site of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and to assess the cultural sensitivity of the information targeted to certain ethnic groups.

Design: Descriptive study, repeated measures.

Setting: NCI's CancerNet Web site (http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov).

Sample: A convenience sample of 49 documents from the CancerNet Web site was analyzed.

Methods: The readability of each document was analyzed using the Flesch-Kincaid readability formula. Using Bloch's Ethnic/Cultural Assessment Tool as a guide, a content analysis of the ethnic-related documents was performed to determine the cultural sensitivity of the information.

Main research variables: Readability and cultural sensitivity of the written cancer information.

Findings: The overall mean reading level was 12th grade. Little variation existed in the cultural content of the information even though several ethnic groups were targeted.

Conclusion: Information on CancerNet needs to be modified to meet the information needs of people with low reading skills and to make the information more culturally sensitive for various ethnic groups.

Implications for nursing practice: Finding successful methods for educating patients and families is a primary responsibility of oncology nurses. Information can play a vital role in helping patients to engage in self-care behavior. Therefore, nurses must be knowledgeable about the readability, usefulness, and cultural-sensitivity of information on cancer Web sites so that they can guide patients to appropriate Internet resources.