What Is Health Literacy Definition 1

Health literacy is the ability to obtain read understand and use healthcare information in order to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment.

Health services directorate. It is how well you comprehend the various. Health literacy is the capacity to find interpret and use information and health services to make effective decisions for health and wellbeing. Health literacy refers broadly to the ability of individuals to gain access to understand and use information in ways which promote and maintain good health 1 for themselves their families and their communities.

Research has shown there is a strong relationship between a persons health literacy and their health status. Health literacy defined as an individuals ability to acquire understand and use the information needed to make health related decisions healthypeoplegov 2012 is an especially important factor in patients ability to manage their interactions with the healthcare system. Health literacy can be defined as the ability to understand and have access to basic health information and services to make informed health decisions.

The health literacy environment is the way services are provided and the things that make it easier or harder for people to access understand and use information and. Definition health literacy is defined in the institute of medicine report health literacy. Department of health and human services hhs defines health literacy as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain process and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions 1 2 adequate health literacy may include being able to read and comprehend essential health related materials eg prescription bottles appointment.

Health literacy implies the achievement of a level of knowledge personal skills and confidence to take action to improve personal and community health by changing personal lifestyles and living conditions. There are multiple definitions of health literacy in part because health literacy involves both the context or setting in which health literacy demands are made eg health care media internet or fitness facility. This includes all areas of health and well being.

The mandate for health literacy defining health literacy. The patient protection and affordable care act of 2010 title v defines health literacy as the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain communicate process and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions. Thus health literacy means more than being able to read pamphlets and make appointments.

This is also the definition that. A prescription to end confusion as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain process and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.