Which statement best reflects strategies to address low health literacy in programs?

• A. Relying on complex medical jargon when communicating with patients.
• B. Plain language materials, teach back, visuals, and culturally appropriate content.
• C. Relying on written handouts with small font without visuals.
• D. Assuming patients understand advanced medical terminology.

Answer: (B)

Addressing low health literacy means making health information accessible, understandable, and actionable for diverse patients. The best approach combines plain language, mechanisms to confirm understanding, and content that respects cultural and linguistic diversity. Plain language involves using everyday words, short sentences, and clear instructions rather than medical jargon that can confuse people. The teach-back method invites patients to explain the information in their own words, letting clinicians quickly spot and correct misunderstandings before they leave. Visuals such as simple diagrams, icons, or step-by-step images reinforce written or spoken messages and help people grasp complex concepts or numeric details. Content that is culturally appropriate respects patients’ backgrounds, languages, and experiences, increasing relevance, trust, and engagement.

Other approaches tend to raise barriers rather than reduce them: relying on complex medical language, presenting information in dense, small-print handouts without visuals, or assuming patients understand advanced terminology. These practices can lead to miscommunication, nonadherence, and poorer outcomes.