What is health literacy?

Health literacy is fundamentally defined as the ability to obtain, process, and understand health information necessary to make informed decisions regarding one's health. This encompasses a wide range of skills, including reading and interpreting health-related materials, evaluating medical sources, understanding basic health concepts, and applying that knowledge to healthcare situations.

Individuals with high health literacy are better equipped to navigate the healthcare system, adhere to treatment plans, engage in preventive health behaviors, and communicate effectively with healthcare providers. This is essential in an era where patients are increasingly expected to take an active role in their health management.

The other options reflect different aspects of health and communication but do not encompass the full scope of health literacy. While having a good measure of physical health, effective communication skills with providers, and understanding medical terminology can contribute to overall health management, they do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of health literacy as defined primarily by the ability to obtain and process health information.