Table 3.

Disease Topics Above Target Readability in All Databases

Disease Topic	Grade Reading Level			Example
	Micromedex	EBSCO	MedlinePlus
Bacterial Vaginosis	10.22	11.81	13.59	“Normally, the vagina has helpful bacteria (lactobacilli), as well as more harmful bacteria (anaerobes—bacteria that do not need oxygen to live)”.—EBSCO
Barrett’s Esophagus	10.06	10.79	13.1	“Removal of most of the esophagus is recommended if a person with Barrett’s esophagus is found to have severe dysplasia or cancer and can tolerate a surgical procedure.”—MedlinePlus
Generalized Anxiety	9.82	10.64	12.77	“With GAD, you may have symptoms like those of a serious health problem, such as a heart problem.”—Micromedex
Malaria	9.69	10.84	13.56	“The majority of symptoms are caused by the massive release of merozoites into the bloodstream, the anemia resulting from the destruction of the red blood cells, and the problems caused by large amounts of free hemoglobin released into circulation after red blood cells rupture.”—MedlinePlus
Pyelonephritis	10.52	10.3	12.25	“Voiding cystourethrography—x-ray of the urinary bladder and urethra made after injection with a contrast medium.”—EBSCO
Salmonella	10.93	10.1	11.38	“Salmonellosis is a common gastrointestinal (digestive) infection caused by a bacteria (germ) called Salmonella”—Micromedex
Undescended Testes	9.74	12.89	10.89	“Grown men with undescended testes may have low sperm counts resulting in infertility, and are at increased risk for hernia and testicular cancer because of their untreated undescended testes.”—EBSCO
Yeast Infection	10.4	11.07	12.06	“Although many women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that protect against infection.”—MedlinePlus