Hungarian health literacy in international comparison

Abstract

This study presents the results of an innovative measurement of practical health literacy in an international context. Objective: To present the extent of the practical health literacy in the Hungarian society and its place in international comparison. The prelude to the Hungarian research, as well as the data for international comparison, was provided by HLS-EU (European Health Literacy Survey), a study covering 8 countries using identical methodology. As in all previously involved countries, we measured health literacy, the ability to acquire, understand, process and use health related information on an n= 1000 national representative sample of Hungary. We used the HLS-EU 47 questionnaire and index calculation methods, developed and validated by the HLS-EU Consortium. Using the internationally validated threshold levels for the general health literacy index, we found that more than half of Hungary’s 16 or older population has only limited health literacy – Bulgaria was the only country, where the average of the general health literacy index was significantly lower than in Hungary. In each of the three main indices (health care, prevention and health promotion), very low proportions of Hungarian respondents achieved an excellent level of health literacy, while the proportion of those with inadequate health literacy is among the highest in international comparison. The present study aims to describe the health literacy levels in Hungary, and how Hungarians fare in an international comparison, as well as point out areas most in need of development in the long run. Deficiencies in health literacy skills can be overcome in specific situations through effective consulting with physicians/pharmacists, if the consulting is adapted to the knowledge level and skills of the informed. To achieve this, differentiated approach and specific tools to information giving are necessary. We hope that this research study will inspire such efforts.