The report revealed that 60.4% of adults have an 'adequate' ability to understand health information as of the 7th. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated that it confirmed this after analyzing data from 5,906 adults who participated in the 2023 National Health and Nutrition Survey.
The ability to understand health information refers to the ability to find, comprehend, and utilize health information for decision-making. It assesses 10 items across four areas: disease prevention, health promotion, health management, and resource utilization. A score of 30 or above out of a total of 40 points is considered adequate understanding of health information.
The survey results showed that women's ability to understand health information is 62.2%, higher than men's 58.6%. Those in their 20s have a comprehension ability of 70.5%, significantly higher than the 36% for those aged 70 and older. Smokers demonstrated a better understanding of health information than non-smokers, and those with higher income and education levels also had a better grasp of health information.
Additionally, there was a higher comprehension level when judging explanations from doctors and pharmacists, as well as patient education materials. Understanding of disease prevention was lower. Im Seung-kwan, the head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, noted, "We will strive to improve the health level of the public."