Box A. Examples of barriers to health for a person with low health literacy Navigating unfamiliar health information, services and terminology – which can range from nutritional guidance to specialist medical instructions – can be challenging and daunting for anyone, but particularly for a person with limited literacy. Some people may feel embarrassed or humiliated because they do not understand the information being given to them by medical professionals and will try to hide their ill-health or concerns. People may also struggle to communicate their health needs effectively to health professionals; health professionals often assume a higher level of understanding by the service user and public than is the reality. A ‘mismatch’ can occur between individual ability and the level of education and confidence needed to access and understand health information and services.