Table 1 Domains of The Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) with text descriptors
From: Conceptualisation and development of the Conversational Health Literacy Assessment Tool (CHAT)
HLQ scale | Information about health literacy strengths and challenges derived from items in each domain |
|---|---|
1. Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers | If a person has a relationship with one or more healthcare providers who they feel they can rely on and/or trust for advice about health. |
2. Having sufficient information to manage my health | If a person feels they have the information they need to take care of their health, and if they feel they have the right information to manage their health. |
3. Actively managing my health | If a person actively engages with managing their own health or takes a more passive approach to health management. |
4. Social support for health | If a person has one or more friends or family members they feel they can rely on and/or trust for support with health management (e.g., day-to-day things such as taking medications, appointment attendance, and/or emotional support). |
5. Appraisal of health information | If a person tends to accept most health information they hear or see, or if they tend to think critically about the information they receive and if it is right for them. |
6. Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers | If a person finds it easy or difficult to communicate openly and effectively with health providers and to continue with discussions until they feel they have the information they need. |
7. Navigating the healthcare system | If a person is aware of health services and health providers that are appropriate for their needs, and when to access them. |
8. Ability to find good health information | If a person knows where to find health information when they need it, and if they feel confident and able to source this information. |
9. Understanding health information well enough to know what to do | If a person finds it easy or difficult to understand and follow health information they are provided with. |
10. Health beliefs and culture | If there are significant social and/or cultural beliefs that prevent or restrict your client from engaging with health services and care. |