Table 6 Examples of messages with different levels of evidence
From: Are the health messages in schoolbooks based on scientific evidence? A descriptive study
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE | MESSAGE |
|---|---|
HIGH | • Children should use toothpaste with fluoride |
• The Mediterranean diet helps to prevent excess cholesterol | |
• Adopting habits such as not smoking prevents certain types of cancer | |
MEDIUM | • Sugar-free chewing gum helps to prevent tooth decay |
• After cleaning, cover a wound with a plaster or bandage | |
• Pregnant women should visit the doctor once a month | |
LOW | • Moderate exercise strengthens the heart muscles and prevents illnesses affecting the circulatory system |
• Alcohol consumption leads to malnutrition and complaints affecting the alimentary canal | |
• In Summer, apply sun cream to babies several times a day and after bathing | |
UNKNOWN | • Drinking two litres of water per day helps us to remain healthy |
• Children should always be assisted by an adult when cooking in order to avoid accidents in the home | |
• Fruit should be thoroughly washed or pealed prior to consumption | |
NO EVIDENCE FOUND | • Do not swim after a meal. The digestive process may be affected, giving rise to a stomach cramp. |
• Breathing through the nose rather than the mouth prevents colds | |
• An adequate intake of vitamin B lowers the probabilities of illness | |
EVIDENCE CONTRAVENED | • Wounds should be disinfected with peroxide |
• A period of inactivity should always be observed in the event of muscular injury |