What is the effect of low health literacy on patients?

Low health literacy significantly impacts patients by making it challenging for them to understand health information, which directly affects their ability to make informed decisions regarding their health and treatment options. Individuals with low health literacy may struggle with comprehending medical terminology, instructions for medication, or even the implications of their health conditions. This lack of understanding can lead to mismanagement of their health, lower adherence to prescribed treatments, and ultimately poorer healthcare outcomes.

In contrast to the selected choice, the other options suggest positive effects on health outcomes or patient behavior. Improved healthcare outcomes, increased adherence to treatments, and enhanced engagement in health discussions are typically associated with high health literacy. These positive attributes can contribute to better management of chronic conditions, improved communication with healthcare providers, and more proactive involvement in personal health care, which are all hindered when patients have low health literacy.