What does "health literacy" in UHC refer to?

Health literacy in the context of Universal Healthcare (UHC) refers to the ability of individuals to obtain, understand, and use health information effectively. This encompasses not only the capacity to read and comprehend health-related materials but also the application of that knowledge in real-world scenarios—for example, understanding medical instructions, navigating the healthcare system, or making informed decisions about one’s health.

Individuals with high health literacy are better equipped to engage with healthcare services, follow treatment plans, and manage their health effectively, leading to improved health outcomes. Conversely, low health literacy can result in misunderstandings about health issues, ineffective disease management, and lower engagement with preventive care, ultimately impacting overall community health.

The other concepts presented in the choices relate to different aspects of healthcare but do not encapsulate the core definition of health literacy. Accessing health services, the number of healthcare providers, and community health outcomes are important components of the healthcare system but do not directly define what health literacy entails.