Risks associated with low functional health literacy in an Australian population

OBJECTIVE: To measure the level of functional health literacy (FHL) in an Australian population, and to explore the level of risk associated with level of FHL. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional, random population survey administered to 2824 South Australians aged>or=15 years, September-October 2008. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Newest Vital Sign as a measure of FHL, self-reported general health status, and use of health services. RESULTS: 24% of respondents were at risk of limited FHL, and 21% had a high likelihood of inadequate FHL; this increased with age (>or=65 years, 50% v 25-44 years, 11%). In multiple logistic regression models, a high likelihood of inadequate FHL was significantly more common among those with lower education (left schoolor=65 years with inadequate FHL were more likely to have been admitted to hospital (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.5). CONCLUSION: Many Australians are likely to have limited health literacy, and this is a risk to effective health care delivery and health improvement across the community.