Health literacy is a term that encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge related to health and wellness. It is a critical component of a person's ability to make informed decisions about their health and healthcare, and it is a key determinant of health outcomes. Health literacy is not just about reading and writing, but also about understanding and interpreting health information, navigating the healthcare system, and communicating with healthcare providers.

Health literacy is about communication and is a bridge that connects:

• Patients 

• Healthcare providers 

• The healthcare system 

Without adequate health literacy this bridge can become a barrier that prevents:

•  People from accessing the care they need 

•  Understanding their health conditions 

•  Managing their health effectively 

Health literacy involves several key skills-

Basic Literacy Skills- reading, writing, and numeracy. 

• Reading health information, understanding medication instructions

Complex Skills- information-seeking, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

• Finding and evaluating the credibility of health information, managing and making health related decisions.  

Knowledge 

• Knowledge of  the healthcare system as well as health care topics, risks, and preventive health behaviors.  

Research has shown that individuals with low health literacy are  

• More likely to have poor health outcomes 

• Have higher rates of hospitalization 

• Lower use of preventive services 

• Poorer management of chronic conditions 

• Higher mortality rates 

On the other hand: 

Research has shown individuals with high health literacy are 

• More likely to have better health outcomes 

• Better self-reported health 

• Better use of preventive services

• Better management of chronic conditions 

• Lower mortality rates 

In conclusion, health literacy is a multifaceted concept that involves a range of skills and knowledge related to health and healthcare. It is a critical determinant of health outcomes and health equity, and it is a key focus of efforts to improve health and healthcare.