Do pictograms improve childrens understanding of medicine leaflet information?
There is a growing need for balanced drug information customized for special target groups such as children [Food and Drug Administration. Prescription Drug Product Labeling; Medication Guide Requirements; Proposed Rule. Part VII. Department of Health and Human Services, 21 CRF Part 201, et al. Federal Register 1995;60:44182-252; Dickinson D, Raynor DK, Duman M. Patient information leaflets for medicines: using consumer testing to determine the most effective design. Patient Educ Couns 2001;43:147-59]. Pictograms are one aid that may be used to make information easier to read and understand. The aim of this study was to test whether children understand pictograms developed by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) [The United States Pharmacopeial Convention Inc. USP Pictograms. Retrieved 11 March 2002 from http://www.usp.org/], and especially, if the pictograms improve children’s understanding of medicine leaflet information. Finnish elementary school children aged 7 years (n=28), 11 yea