Research Article

Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances

Volume: 15 Number: 1 February 28, 2026
TR EN

Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the readability levels of Turkish web-based patient information texts related to functional orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 texts published on publicly accessible digital platforms were reviewed in May 2025 using the Google search engine. Only Turkish-language texts intended for informative purposes and specifically focused on functional appliances were included. After removing structural elements, the texts were analyzed using the Ateşman Readability Formula. A one-sample t-test was performed to determine whether the mean readability scores differed significantly from the reference value of 70. Results: Most of the texts were found to have a moderate level of readability and targeted toward individuals with a high school education level (grades 11–12). This suggests that such content may be difficult to comprehend for individuals with lower levels of education. Conclusion: The readability levels of web-based informational materials on functional appliances are insufficient for effective health communication. It is recommended that such content be revised to ensure clarity, simplicity, and alignment with the general educational level of the population.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval was not required for this study, as only publicly available internet sources were used, no personal data were collected, and no direct interaction with human participants was involved.

Thanks

The authors would like to extend their sincere thanks to anyone who contributed to this study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

February 28, 2026

Submission Date

June 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 3, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 1

APA
Özen, G. Y., & Arslan, K. H. (2026). Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 15(1), 62-67. https://doi.org/10.53424/balikesirsbd.1730477
AMA
1.Özen GY, Arslan KH. Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances. BAUN Health Sci J. 2026;15(1):62-67. doi:10.53424/balikesirsbd.1730477
Chicago
Özen, Gizem Yazdan, and Kerem Hüseyin Arslan. 2026. “Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances”. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 15 (1): 62-67. https://doi.org/10.53424/balikesirsbd.1730477.
EndNote
Özen GY, Arslan KH (February 1, 2026) Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 15 1 62–67.
IEEE
[1]G. Y. Özen and K. H. Arslan, “Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances”, BAUN Health Sci J, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 62–67, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.53424/balikesirsbd.1730477.
ISNAD
Özen, Gizem Yazdan - Arslan, Kerem Hüseyin. “Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances”. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 15/1 (February 1, 2026): 62-67. https://doi.org/10.53424/balikesirsbd.1730477.
JAMA
1.Özen GY, Arslan KH. Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances. BAUN Health Sci J. 2026;15:62–67.
MLA
Özen, Gizem Yazdan, and Kerem Hüseyin Arslan. “Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances”. Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 62-67, doi:10.53424/balikesirsbd.1730477.
Vancouver
1.Gizem Yazdan Özen, Kerem Hüseyin Arslan. Evaluation of the Readability Levels of Turkish Digital Patient Information Texts on Functional Orthodontic Appliances. BAUN Health Sci J. 2026 Feb. 1;15(1):62-7. doi:10.53424/balikesirsbd.1730477

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