Health literacy

Health literacy means the "ability to obtain, process and understand basic health information and to access the health services in order to make informed choices". In practice, being able to acquire, understand and use information for own health

Health literacy implies the achievement of a level of knowledge, individual skills and self-confidence such as to push individuals to act to improve their own health and that of the community, by changing their personal lifestyles and health conditions. Therefore, health literacy not only indicates the ability to read brochures and make appointments, but it is an important empowerment strategy that can improve individuals' ability to access information and services, and use them effectively (Source: Who Health Promotion Glossary, 1998).

Health literacy therefore implies the competence in knowing how to read, decode and process information relating to own health, ranging from the understanding of a medical report to orienteering within health services, to making conscious choices in favor of own well-being.

Context

Recent studies have shown that low levels of health literacy negatively influence people's health, representing a risk factor; moreover they increase inequalities and increase costs for the health system. In fact, it has been found that people with a low level of health literacy do not use health services appropriately, they have more difficulty in following medical indications, in taking drugs properly, and in staying healthy. Field research indicates that elderly. immigrants and individuals with a low level of education are the category of people with the most health problems.

The Italian National Health Institute (ISS) is committed to the issue carrying on the collaboration with the International Network on Health Literacy M-Pohl and the implementation of the cross-sectional study on Health Literacy, the population-based survey Hls19.

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