Which action is part of effective health literacy?

Understanding the risks and benefits of health decisions is a vital component of effective health literacy. This ability allows individuals to critically evaluate health information, weigh potential outcomes, and make informed choices about their health and well-being. Effective health literacy empowers people to navigate the complex health care system, articulate their health needs, and engage in discussions with healthcare professionals.

In contrast, ignoring health warnings from professionals would lead to a lack of awareness of critical health information, which could result in adverse health outcomes. Relying solely on word-of-mouth health advice could expose individuals to misinformation or unproven remedies, as it lacks the scrutiny and evidence that comes from reliable health sources. Refusing to ask questions about health information prevents individuals from clarifying uncertainties or gaining deeper insights that can influence their health decisions. Each of these actions demonstrates a deficit in health literacy, while the ability to understand risks and benefits reflects strong health literacy skills.