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 school<or=15 years of age, odds ratio [OR], 8.1; 95% CI, 4.8-13.6); with lower annual income (<$20 000, OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.3-7.4); who were born in countries other than Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland; and with poorer health status (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2). Inadequate FHL was significantly less common among females (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.8). People with inadequate or at-risk FHL were significantly more likely to report having diabetes, cardiac disease or stroke, and significantly less likely to have recently attended a doctor. Respondents aged>or=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.