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:
- For patients, health literacy gives them greater power. It allows them to find their way around the healthcare system, to understand their prescription instructions, and make lifestyle choices that promote well-being. Poor health literacy can lead to confusion and mistakes. Patients might not be able to take the advice given and do what is asked if they don’t fully understand the instruction. This contributes to poorer health outcomes and bigger healthcare costs.
- For healthcare professionals, clear communication is essential in sharing complex medical information, treatment options, and lifestyle choices that might help prevent ill health. When health literacy is done well, nit helps patients better understand and respond to the medical advice given, this leads to improved health outcomes. It also improves the relationship with patients, allowing each person to be part of their care choices.
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.
- 42% of adults are unable to understand everyday health information.
- This then rises to 61% when numeracy skills are also required.
- Studies have shown that 50% of what the doctor tells us verbally, we forget.
- 35% of adults in Dorset Council area are estimated to have low health literacy.
Enhancing health literacy significantly impacts individuals’ health-related behaviours, which in turn profoundly affects their overall health and wellbeing. Health literacy involves understanding health information and services to make informed decisions.
When people have higher health literacy, they are better equipped to manage their health, follow medical advice, and adopt healthier lifestyles. This can lead to improved outcomes such as reduced risk of chronic diseases, better management of existing conditions, and overall enhanced quality of life.
