14
Health literacy and health information producers
7
Have you ever heard of the term health literacy?
8
What does health literacy mean to you?
9
How would you describe someone
who is health literate?
Yes
193, (71.2%)
No
56, (20.7%)
Not sure
22, (8.1%)
There is a good
awareness of the term
health literacy. Most
people had heard the
term with only a few
saying they had not, or
didn’t know.
This was a free field response and 26% of
respondents included the phrase ‘ability to
understand’ in their response. The phrase
‘Informed decision’ was also frequently used
(11.4%). These are some direct quotes from
respondents which typify the responses.
Health literacy is:
‘The ability to find, read, understand and
use information relating to your health.’
‘Being able to make informed decisions
about what is best for my health and
wellbeing.’
‘Knowing how to prevent and (self-)manage
health problems; knowing where to find
information on conditions; being aware of
health services and how/when to use them.’
‘Understanding healthcare information
and its relevance to you.’
This was a free field response and respondents
used phrases such as informed decisions (13.1%),
taking control of own healthcare (11.5%) and
informed choices (6.6%). These are some direct
quotes from respondents which typify the
responses.
Someone who is health literate is:
‘Able/willing to access information and
act on it.’
‘Someone who knows where to access
information in appropriate formats/media
in order to make informed decisions about
lifestyles, treatment options etc.’
‘...knows they have options and where to
go to find out about them.’
‘...effectively participates in their own
healthcare decisions.’
