What is health literacy, and why is it important for community health workers?

• A. It is simply being able to read prescription labels.
• B. It refers to the number of health-related apps a person uses.
• C. Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make appropriate health decisions; essential for effective communication and adherence.
• D. It is the amount of medical vocabulary a person knows.

Answer: (C)

Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make appropriate health decisions. For community health workers, this matters because you act as a bridge between the health system and the people you serve. You’re often working with individuals who have different reading levels, languages, and cultural backgrounds, so conveying information in clear, plain language and checking that understanding is essential. When information is understandable, patients can follow instructions, take medications correctly, recognize warning signs, and navigate clinics and services, which improves adherence and health outcomes.

Using plain language, avoiding medical jargon, and using teach-back to confirm understanding are practical ways CHWs support health literacy. It’s not about how many apps someone uses, nor about simply knowing medical terms or reading a label; true health literacy involves actually comprehending information well enough to make informed choices about care.