What is the primary goal of health literacy initiatives?

The primary goal of health literacy initiatives is to ensure that patients are empowered to make informed health decisions. Health literacy encompasses a person's ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services they need to make appropriate health decisions. When individuals have strong health literacy, they can better navigate the healthcare system, understand medications and treatment options, engage more effectively with healthcare providers, and adopt healthier behaviors. This enhances their overall health outcomes and promotes self-management of health, which is essential for maintaining well-being and preventing disease.

Other options do not align with the main objective of health literacy initiatives. For instance, solely providing resources to healthcare providers does not address the needs of patients themselves, and enhancing the understanding of medical jargon, while helpful, is only a part of making health information more accessible. Limiting healthcare access to educated individuals contradicts the very essence of health literacy, which aims to bridge the gap between complex health information and individuals from all educational backgrounds, facilitating equitable access to health knowledge and services.