An Extremely Simplified View of the Increasingly Complex Issue of Health Literacy

摘要

Health literacy is much more than simply being able to read. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, defines health literacy 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" (1). Therefore, by definition, being health literate means that you are able to integrate reading, listening, numeracy, and analytical skills in order to fully understand doctor instructions, medical brochures, consent forms, and prescription dosing information.