Health literacy is defined by the National Library of Medicine as "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions".

About 13% of U.S. adults have proficient health literacy. Not understanding medical information can lead to medical complications or medication errors.

UAMS created a toolkit as a resource for physicians to learn more about health literacy and for easy-to-understand health information to give to their patients. It can be also used by patients wishing to learn more about health issues.

Website: https://libguides.uams.edu/services-to-state/public-healthliteracy

Contact: Joanna Delavan

Email: jdelavan@uams.edu

Updated 07/28/2025