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Abstract

The present study assessed the comprehensibility of pharmaceutical pictorials that are often seen on prescription medication bottles. A total of 30 individuals with mental retardation living in semi-independent environments were asked to provide responses concerning the pictorial connotation. Results indicated that only three of the 42 pictorials presented were within the acceptable range of the ISO 67% comprehension criterion. These pictorials connoted “take with water”, “do not drink alcohol”, and “poison”. None achieved the ANSI 85% comprehension criterion. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in comprehension between those who were taking the medication with bottles that displayed the corresponding pictorial and those who did not. The forensic implications and relevance concerning hazard communication are discussed.

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Comprehensibility of Pharmaceutical Pictorials among People with Mental Retardation

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