Which factor related to health literacy is listed as a contributor to health disparities?

• A. Geographic barriers
• B. Transportation barriers
• C. Differences in education and health literacy
• D. Poverty.

Answer: (C)

Understanding health disparities involves recognizing how people obtain and use health information. Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and apply health information to make appropriate decisions about care. When education levels differ, health literacy often differs as well. People with lower education may struggle to understand prescriptions, dosing schedules, consent forms, risk explanations, or how to navigate the healthcare system. These misunderstandings can lead to missed appointments, incorrect self-management, or delayed care, which in turn results in worse health outcomes and widened gaps between groups.

Other barriers like geographic access, transportation, or poverty affect overall access to care, but the aspect tied specifically to health literacy is differences in education and how that shapes the ability to comprehend and act on health information. Addressing this by using plain language, teach-back techniques, and culturally appropriate materials helps reduce disparities by improving understanding and adherence.