Center for the Advancement of Underserved Children

Results

• Identified that 79% of patients come from 10 zip codes.  Overall, there were 13 (Range 0-5/zip code) early literacy resources identified in those 10 zip codes.
• Over half (68%) of patient educational material was recorded as 7th grade and higher (Range 7th-17th).
• Reading books was one of their favorite activities (69%) and part of their bedtime routine (50%). 
• Three quarters (75%) had more than 11 books in their home and 63% possessed library cards.
• Health literacy levels by determining parents’ ability to comprehend basic medical concepts and what they must do in order to stay healthy.  Parents had either an Adequate Reading Level (92%) or Marginal Reading Level (8%).
• Most (88%) parents bought books for their children in addition to the ROR-M books that they received at their doctor’s appointment. 
• Parents (63%) expressed a preferred for books with words & pictures that have a moral lesson. 
• Half of the parents allowed their child to choose their own books.

Limitations of this study is that convenience sampling results in self-selection of parents to be assessed that might have higher literacy levels and under representation of families at greatest risk for literacy challenges.