Readability and Suitability of Information Presented on a University Health Center Website

This study evaluated the readability and suitability of a university health center public website. Readability formulas estimated the reading grade and age required for comprehension of health information. The Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) instrument determined adequacy of the webpages for the intended audience. Readability showed the reading grade level, representing the youngest reader able to process the material, ranged from 10.1 to 14.6, averaging 12.5 (midway through 12th grade in the US educational system). Full comprehension required higher education levels, up to postgraduate. Suitability scores for some webpages indicated deficiencies in readability, motivation to learn, and instructions for healthy behavior changes. Content on the website may be difficult for some students to comprehend based on the reading grade level, but overall suitability results are satisfactory. All webpage updates should bear these parameters in mind to ensure content is fully accessible to college students, faculty, and staff.