In 2006 the Australian Bureau of Statistics undertook the first Australian audit of Adult Literacy and Life Skills.
Health literacy is defined as: "The knowledge and skills required to understand and use information relating to health issues such as drugs and alcohol, disease prevention and treatment, safety and accident prevention, first aid, emergencies, and staying healthy."
The findings indicated that 60% of Australians are functionally health illiterate. Health literacy for those born in a mainly non-English speaking country was even lower - only 26% of migrants have a health literacy rating of ‘satisfactory' or higher.
Health illiteracy is a barrier to participation in one's own health - one of the driving push factors in the health reforms.
Sharon E. Barrett, author of several reports on health literacy, discusses the connection between health literacy, informed choice and patient rights.
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