Study Flags Gaps in Readability, Representation in Monkeypox and HIV Resources
Key Takeaways
Most public health materials on monkeypox (Mpox) and HIV exceed the recommended 8th-grade reading level, new research suggests.
Visual representation in state materials favored darker skin tones but often lacked context or tailored messaging.
No significant difference in resource quality was found across political lines, though metro areas offered more language options.
A new study reports that critical information on monkeypox (Mpox) and HIV remains largely inaccessible to the general public due to high reading levels and inconsistent cultural representation.
Researchers publishing in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology looked at publicly available materials from 150 health departments at state-level, major metro, and non-metro jurisdictions. Readability scores for these resources averaged a Flesch-Kincaid grade level of 10.5 (which the authors noted was well above the 6th to 8th grade level recommended for public health communication). Visual ease scores averaged 40.1 (below the 60 to 70 threshold signaling "easy to read" content).
The study also analyzed cultural inclusivity using the Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) and Monk scales. Almost half (46%) of state departments included visual materials, but just 10% mentioned racial demographics, and 34% referenced at-risk populations such as MSM (men who have sex with men). Images skewed toward depicting darker skin tones, with FST IV–VI comprising 53% of images, raised concerns about potential stigmatization through overrepresentation in infectious disease contexts.
While metro departments provided more multilingual options, they offered fewer total resources compared to state-level departments (P < 0.01). Political leanings did not significantly influence resource availability or inclusivity practices.
“These findings highlight a need to prioritize plain-language, culturally competent health materials that can be rapidly deployed during future infectious disease outbreaks,” the authors wrote. “Standardizing accessible and representative materials is critical to building trust and improving public engagement during public health emergencies."
Source: Olagun-Samuel C, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2026;25(2):9568.