Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) Degree Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Health literacy is best defined as the ability to obtain and understand health information. This concept encompasses not only the capacity to read and process healthcare materials but also the ability to interpret that information effectively, enabling individuals to make informed health decisions. Understanding health information includes being able to comprehend instructions on medication, follow medical advice, and make sense of health-related data, which are critical for maintaining one's health and navigating healthcare effectively.

While having the knowledge of medical terminology could enhance an individual’s ability to understand health information, it is not a complete definition of health literacy, which focuses more broadly on comprehension and practical application of information. Similarly, the ability to pay for healthcare services pertains to financial aspects and access, rather than the processing of health information itself. Navigating healthcare systems is also vital, but it requires the foundation of understanding health information to do so effectively. Thus, the correct definition revolves around the core skill of obtaining and understanding health information.