What is health literacy?

Health literacy is a person’s ability to read and understand basic health information and the services available to help them make decisions about their health. Health literacy is essential for both those working in healthcare and the patients who need care for several reasons:

Health literacy statistics

In the UK, the average reading age is 9-11 years old. This means that many adults read at a level expected of children in primary school, and this reading level has significant implications for health literacy.

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of adults are unable to understand everyday health information.

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this then rises to 61% when numeracy skills are also required.

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of what the doctor tells us verbally we forget, studies have shown.

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of adults in Dorset Council area are estimated to have low health literacy.

The Health Literacy Community of Practice

This online space is designed to connect individuals who share a passion for health literacy. Here, you’ll find a supportive community where knowledge, resources, and ideas flow freely. Access will be provided once health literacy champion training has been undertaken.