What is one significant impact of low health literacy?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the effects of low health literacy, specifically seeking to identify which of the provided options represents a significant impact. We need to analyze the implications of low health literacy on individuals' abilities to understand health information and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.
Answer
Increased likelihood of medication errors.
One significant impact of low health literacy is the increased likelihood of medication errors, such as misreading or miscalculating medication prescriptions and appointment information.
Answer for screen readers
One significant impact of low health literacy is the increased likelihood of medication errors, such as misreading or miscalculating medication prescriptions and appointment information.
More Information
Low health literacy can lead to a range of negative health outcomes including unnecessary hospital visits and higher health care costs. The ability to understand and act upon health information is crucial for safe and effective health care.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming health literacy only impacts basic reading skills; it also involves numeracy and comprehension, which can lead to calculation and information-processing errors.
Sources
- Impact of low health literacy on patients' health outcomes - PMC - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Impact of Health Literacy - Research Guides - libguides.uthsc.edu
