What is a common effect of low health literacy?

Low health literacy is associated with individuals having difficulty understanding health-related information, which can lead to lower rates of preventive care utilization. When individuals struggle to comprehend health information, they may not recognize the importance of attending regular check-ups, vaccinations, or screenings that are essential for early detection and prevention of diseases. This lack of understanding can result in missed opportunities for early intervention, leading to more serious health problems down the line.

Moreover, individuals with low health literacy may find it challenging to navigate the healthcare system, including understanding how to access preventive services. This results in a significant gap in care, contributing to poorer health outcomes and an over-reliance on emergency services rather than proactive health management.

The other choices represent scenarios that do not typically align with the effects of low health literacy. For instance, increased engagement in health services and more effective communication with providers generally stem from higher health literacy levels. Higher healthcare costs for everyone are not directly a result of low health literacy, but rather the consequence of a broader range of factors in the healthcare system.