Online patient education: results of a content analysis of disempowering language in patient education materials about type 1 diabetes
Abstract
Global health organizations urge the use of empowering language in patient education for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Twenty-nine online patient education materials (PEMs) were assessed in the first phase of a content analysis examining how disempowering terminology is used in both frequency and context. All of the PEMs used disempowering terms, were primarily from the U.S. (70%), and authored by health care providers (34%). Imperative terms carried the highest word count (54%) and mean occurrence rates. Results suggest online PEMs may benefit from regular updates to improve health literacy, proving to be a growing area of focus for health librarians.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
Diabetes Management and Education
Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Medical Reference Services Quarterly
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 45
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 193–210
- Publication date
- 3 July 2026
- Language
- EN