Terveyslukutaidon

Terveyslukutaidon is the Finnish term for health literacy, defined as the capacity to obtain, understand, evaluate, and use health information to make appropriate health decisions for oneself and others. It includes functional skills such as reading and numeracy, as well as interactive and critical competencies: communicating with health professionals, evaluating the credibility of information, and navigating health systems and services. The concept covers both traditional print material and digital sources, including online information, apps and patient portals.

Health literacy is a determinant of health outcomes and service use. Higher Terveyslukutaidon is associated with better self-management, safer medication use, more appropriate use of health services, and greater adherence to treatment plans. It is influenced by education, language, culture, age, socioeconomic status, and access to digital tools, and it tends to differ across populations. Public health and clinical settings aim to improve it through clear communication, plain-language materials, shared decision-making, and supports such as decision aids and patient navigation. Digital health literacy is increasingly emphasized as health information becomes more web-based and device-mediated.

Measurement of health literacy uses instruments such as surveys and performance-based tasks to assess individuals’ abilities to locate, understand, appraise, and apply health information. In Finland and Europe, Terveyslukutaidon is considered in health education, health communication, and policy planning to reduce inequalities and improve safety.