As many as half of adults in the United States have limited literacy skills, and nearly 9 in 10 have limited health literacy skills.i, 11, 12, 13 Health literacy incorporates a range of skills and abilities, including reading and analyzing information, decoding instructions and charts, and ultimately making health decisions and taking action.12 Health literacy is a big driver of digital health literacy skills.14, 15
Everyone, no matter how much education they have, is at risk for misunderstanding health information if the topic is complex — or if they’re stressed or sick. And as we’re exposed to more misinformation online, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to separate evidence-based information from false or misleading content and advertisements.16
Although limited health literacy affects everyone, it disproportionately affects people who are historically marginalized and underserved.17, 18, 19, 20 This includes older adults, people with disabilities, people with lower incomes, people from racial and ethnic minority groups, people with limited English proficiency, and people with limited education.12
Literacy and health literacy skills can impact virtually every aspect of finding, accessing, understanding, and using digital health information.
