Generic health literacy of adults in Germany. Results of the Panel ‘Health in Germany’ 2024

Abstract

cross-contextual skills, motivation and knowledge in dealing with health information. Low HL is associated with higher healthcare needs and unfavourable health behaviours. Method: Data from the RKI Panel 2024 (n = 26,817) will be used to provide a current overview of HL among adults. HL was measured using the HLS19-Q12. Weighted analyses were stratified by gender, age and education. Results: 81.3 % of women and 81.0 % of men have lower HL. With increasing age, the proportion of women with lower HL tends to decrease up to the 65 – 79 age group, whereas this trend is not observed in men. The group with high education has the lowest proportion of lower HL in both sexes. Conclusions: The results indicate a substantial need for action promoting HL. This should not primarily focus on individual capabilities, but rather, services and structures should be designed in a way that enables health-literate behaviour.