A study from the University of Eastern Finland announced on Apr. 10 shows that a brief 12-item questionnaire, known as HLS-Q12, can be used to assess health literacy among Finnish adults and support reliable comparisons across different population groups.
The research is important because health information and services are becoming more digital, making it essential for people to find, understand, evaluate, and use health information in their daily lives. Monitoring health literacy is closely linked to better health outcomes and equity.
Researchers analyzed survey data from 7,077 adults living in Finland. The sample included both nationally recruited participants and a regional group from North Savo. The results showed that the HLS-Q12 questionnaire had high reliability and a clear structure. It also performed consistently across key sociodemographic groups such as gender, education level, and age.
The study found differences in reported health literacy: women scored higher than men; individuals with higher education outperformed those with lower education; and younger adults showed higher levels than older ones. "A brief questionnaire that works well across different groups can help identify where communication and support are most needed," Zhou says. "As health and social services continue to digitalise, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that no population groups are left behind."
The findings offer a stronger basis for monitoring health literacy in Finland. They also support efforts toward more targeted communication strategies and accessible services for various population segments.
