Health literacy represents the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation
and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand and use information in ways which
promote and maintain good health.
Reference: new definition
Health literacy implies the achievement of a level of knowledge, personal skills and confidence
to take action to improve personal and community health by changing personal lifestyles and
living conditions. Thus, health literacy means more than being able to read pamphlets and make
appointments. By improving people’s access to health information, and their capacity to use it
effectively, health literacy is critical to empowerment. Health literacy is itself dependent upon
more general levels of literacy. Poor literacy can affect people’s health directly by limiting their
personal, social and cultural development, as well as hindering the development of health
literacy