Reasons why a patient with limited literacy may misinterpret a drug warning label:
(1) message with multiple steps or instructions (rather than a single step)
(2) use of words that are too difficult to comprehend or that are unfamiliar
(3) use of icons that are confusing or discordant with the text message
(4) misinterpreting the significance of a color
(5) ambiguous wording or phrases (lack of clarity)
(6) failure to read all of the words
where:
• Icons are often designed to handle differences in language rather than literacy.
• An icon may be misinterpreted by a person unfamiliar with the rationale behind its development or who is from a different cultural background.
• Common interpretations for the significance of color: red indicates danger, yellow caution; blue or green a less significant recommendation.
