Health literacy affects people’s ability to access, understand and use health information and is increasingly recognised as an important social determinant of health. This JA PreventNCD-supported study examines the prevalence of limited health literacy among general and migrant-origin populations in Finland and explores the social, economic, health and migration-related factors associated with it.
Using data from two nationally representative Finnish population surveys, the study included more than 9,700 adults aged 20–74 years. Limited health literacy was identified in around 15% of the general population compared with 42% of the migrant-origin population. Across the study population, limited health literacy was associated with factors including income difficulties, living alone, lower educational attainment and poorer self-rated health. Among people of migrant origin, Finnish or Swedish language proficiency was also an important factor.
The findings highlight the need to address health literacy through both individual support and more inclusive health systems. The authors recommend earlier health literacy promotion following migration, culturally and linguistically appropriate health information, more inclusive communication in healthcare settings and action on socioeconomic barriers. Making health information and services easier to access and understand can help reduce inequalities and support better health outcomes across diverse populations.
Read the full paper in the European Journal of Public Health:
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckag130