What does "health literacy" refer to?

Health literacy refers to the ability of individuals to access, comprehend, and utilize health information to make informed decisions about their health and healthcare. This encompasses not only understanding medical terminology but also being able to interpret health-related information and apply it in real-life scenarios to improve or maintain health outcomes.

Making informed health decisions involves evaluating options, understanding risks and benefits, and navigating the healthcare system effectively. People with high health literacy can communicate effectively with healthcare providers, ask relevant questions, and understand treatment protocols, which empowers them to take an active role in their health management.

In contrast, while knowledge of medical terminology is part of health literacy, it is just one aspect and does not encompass the broader definition. The ability to perform medical procedures is a skill relevant to healthcare providers rather than patients, and communication with healthcare providers, while important, is also a subset of health literacy rather than its entirety. Thus, understanding health literacy as a comprehensive skill is essential for promoting better health outcomes and enhancing the patient experience in healthcare settings.