Health Literacy is an individual’s ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions and effectively navigate the healthcare system.

Components and Skills
Health literacy encompasses several key abilities:

• Understanding medical terms and instructions
• Interpreting health data and statistics
• Navigating healthcare systems
• Making informed health decisions
• Communicating effectively with healthcare providers

Practical Applications and Importance
In real-world settings, health literacy impacts daily health management and outcomes. For example, a patient with high health literacy can:

• Accurately follow medication instructions
• Understand preventive care recommendations
• Make informed decisions about treatment options
• Effectively communicate symptoms to providers
• Successfully navigate insurance and healthcare systems