Many people have trouble understanding information about their health. About 9 out of 10 American adults have some problems with health literacy. Health literacy is the ability to get the health information you need, and to understand it. It is also about using the information to make good decisions about your health and medical care. Low health literacy can harm your health. It can affect your ability to

Limited health literacy can affect your ability to

• Fill out complex forms
• Share personal information such as your health history
• Get important screening tests
• Take care of yourself
• Manage a chronic disease
• Understand how to take medicines

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality