How does poor health literacy affect people’s health?

• are generally 1.5 to 3 times more likely to experience a given poor outcome
• have poorer health status and self-reported health
• wait until we’re sicker before we go to the doctor
• find it harder to access services appropriate to our needs
• find it harder to understand labelling and take medication as directed
• are less able to communicate with healthcare professionals and take part in decisions
• are less likely to engage with health promotional activities, such as influenza vaccination and breast screening
• are at increased risk of developing multiple health problems
• have higher rates of avoidable and emergency admissions
• have higher risks of hospitalisation and longer in-patient stays
• have difficulty managing our own health and well-being, that of our children, and of anyone else we care for
• have greater difficulty looking after ourselves when we have long-term conditions.