Health literacy is more than just a public health buzzword—it’s a critical component of equitable, effective care. Yet despite growing awareness, many health systems, providers, and even well-meaning organizations still fall into common traps when addressing it.
Misunderstandings about what health literacy really is—and who it impacts—can lead to missed opportunities, poor outcomes, and a disconnect between services and the communities they’re meant to serve.
Let’s unpack 7 persistent myths about health literacy that may be limiting your impact—and what you can do instead.
1. Myth: Health literacy is only about reading level.
Truth: It’s about how people find, understand, evaluate, and use health information—across written, spoken, visual, and digital formats.
2. Myth: Only patients with low education levels struggle with health literacy.
Truth: Even highly educated individuals can have low health literacy, especially when stressed, sick, or unfamiliar with medical jargon or systems.
3. Myth: Providing a pamphlet or a website is enough.
Truth: Materials must be accessible, culturally relevant, and actionable—and often need to be paired with spoken explanation or digital support.
4. Myth: Health literacy is the patient’s responsibility.
Truth: It’s a shared responsibility. Health systems, providers, and public health professionals must design communication with clarity and empathy.
5. Myth: Translation automatically improves understanding.
Truth: Literal translations often fail. True accessibility requires plain language, cultural nuance, and user testing in each language.
6. Myth: Digital tools are the solution.
Truth: Apps and portals can widen disparities if they’re not designed with health literacy and digital equity in mind.
7. Myth: There’s no ROI for investing in health literacy.
Truth: Clear communication can reduce readmissions, improve outcomes, lower costs, and boost patient satisfaction—tangible ROI for systems.
Conclusion:
Improving health literacy isn’t about dumbing things down—it’s about opening things up. When we shift from information delivery to meaningful understanding, we empower individuals to make informed decisions, navigate systems with confidence, and take charge of their health.
Whether you’re working in public health, clinical care, health tech, or nonprofit spaces, your role in improving health literacy matters. Start by challenging assumptions, listening deeply, and designing with empathy.
Because health information doesn’t help—until it’s truly understood.
