Comparing understanding of Health related knowledge following Easy Read alone or Easy Read with additional support in adults with intellectual disabilities.

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Documents

  • Lowri Rowlands

    Research areas

  • MRes, School of Psychology

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have poorer health and are affected by health inequality. In this research, Easy Read, a form of accessible information, is being explored as a means to improve this. The research evidence into Easy Read, its format, efficacy and use are often conflicting. This research aimed to compare the health related knowledge, understanding and gain of adults with ID following reading an Easy Read booklet alone, or reading Easy Read with additional support. Participants were given a baseline questionnaire of health followed by two phases in a randomised order. Phase one, reading an Easy Read booklet alone followed by a questionnaire and phase two, reading an Easy Read booklet with the support followed by a questionnaire. Results from Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Tests (z. = -1.60, p <.10) indicated that participants (n=6) showed no significant difference in understanding following Easy Read with or without support. All participants responded differently to support based on needs. Results are discussed in light of the existing literature and suggest the need for future research to explore individualised support packages to assist individuals with an ID. This will help to gain knowledge and understanding of new health related subjects. Future research should also focus on improving methodology in this area.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
Thesis sponsors
  • Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship (KESS)
Award date1 Dec 2015