Health literacy primarily refers to an individual's ability to?

Health literacy primarily refers to an individual's ability to understand and use health information. This encompasses not just reading pamphlets or understanding complex medical terminology but also the capability to decipher nutritional labels, gauge the credibility of health sources, comprehend prescription instructions, and make informed choices about health behaviors and medical treatments.

Effective health literacy equips individuals to navigate the healthcare system, promoting self-advocacy and empowering them to engage actively in their health management. When individuals possess strong health literacy skills, they are better equipped to understand their health conditions, the care options available to them, and the implications of their healthcare decisions.

While access to healthcare services and affordability of treatment are important facets of the healthcare experience, they do not specifically define health literacy. Additionally, making health-related decisions without assistance may reflect self-sufficiency but does not encompass the full scope of health literacy, as individuals may still benefit from support and guidance in understanding complex health information. Thus, understanding and using health information is at the core of what it means to have health literacy.