Comprehension of basic health information defines health literacy. Basic health information includes a wide range of material, from specific instructions on medication
administration or therapies to general information about a specific disease or disease prevention. Consumers with lower reading skills are more likely to suffer from poor
health due to lack of understanding of written instructions,such as instructions about dosage or about seeking emergency or additional care if symptoms worsen.Studies have shown that those who suffer from low health literacy are not limited to minorities or underprivileged populations. Rather, individuals of all ages, races,incomes, and education levels are challenged by health illiteracy. A study by the Partnership for Clear Health Communication found that of all such characteristics (age,race, income, education level), age is the strongest predictor of literacy and therefore of health status. The study found an inverse relationship between age and reading skill level. Approximately 40% of the tested population ages 19 – 40 years read below a basic reading skill level,compared to those over the 65 years old, in whom 61% read below a basic reading skill level.13 That study emphasizes that Americans tend to read at least 3 grades lower than their education level.