terveyslukutaitoon

Terveyslukutaito, or health literacy, refers to the knowledge, motivation and competencies needed to access, understand, appraise and apply health information in order to make informed decisions about health care, disease prevention and health promotion. It encompasses both traditional sources of information and digital health information, and includes the ability to navigate the health system, communicate with professionals and engage in self-care.

The concept is linked to health outcomes and the use of health services. Individuals with higher health literacy tend to perform preventive behaviors, understand treatment options, follow medications correctly and make safer health choices. Conversely, low health literacy is associated with poorer health outcomes, higher use of emergency and inpatient services, and greater health disparities. Age, educational level, language proficiency, cultural background and socioeconomic status influence health literacy levels.

Measurement and scope are often based on standardized tools that assess accessing, understanding, evaluating and applying health information. The HLS-EU family of instruments is widely used, including national adaptations. In Finland, health literacy research and surveys are conducted by public health authorities and researchers, with growing attention to digital health literacy—competence in finding, assessing and using online health information, apps and telehealth services.

Determinants of health literacy include education, digital access, cultural and linguistic accessibility, and health system design. Barriers can be limited literacy skills, complex health materials, and fragmented information sources.

Efforts to improve health literacy focus on plain language communication, teach-back techniques, culturally and linguistically appropriate materials, and decision aids. Health care providers, educators and policymakers work to integrate health literacy considerations into services, patient education, and digital platforms to support informed, shared decision-making.