Health Literacy: The Road to Improved Health Outcomes

Although millions of Americans are able to navigate city streets, bus routes, and malls, many do not have the skills to manage their health and negotiate our healthcare system. Low formal education levels, older age, ethnic and racial minorities, rural location, and poverty are some factors associated with increased rates of limited health literacy. Limited literacy impacts health behaviors, decisions, and, ultimately, outcomes. This article reviews health literacy research and discusses practical ways to improve health literacy in practice, including the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's toolkit for health literacy.