The pen
is
mightier
than the scalpel?

Literacy is a problem but reading is still popular

In the UK generally, over 15% of people have literacy problems. This however does not necessarily mean that they can't read at all. The trick for health workers is to find a level of reading and a format that is right for the target group. Social market research is useful here. A range of creative responses is possible.

The Department of Health commissioned Dr. Fosters to produce a number of celebrity style magazines on health themes.

In Mexico they have used romantic short stories to give out health messages to sex workers.

In the UK, Lifeline have produced a range of popular comics about drug use.

An underused medium may be crossword magazines with health themes.

Social market research will tell you what formats are appropriate and what messages and information to put in them.