Health literacy falls under which domain of social determinants of health?

Health literacy is primarily categorized under the domain of health care access because it directly influences an individual's ability to obtain, understand, and utilize health information and services effectively. High health literacy enables people to navigate the healthcare system, understand medical terms, follow treatment instructions, and make informed health decisions. This competency is essential for accessing timely and appropriate healthcare services, as individuals with higher health literacy are more likely to seek preventive care and adhere to medical recommendations.

In contrast, the other domains focus on different aspects of social determinants of health. Social and community context involves factors like social inclusion and community engagement, which, while important for overall health, do not directly address the skills needed for understanding health information. The neighborhood and built environment pertains to the physical conditions where individuals live and work, affecting health through aspects like housing quality and access to green spaces. Economic stability relates to income and financial resources, impacting health likely through access to care and the ability to afford health-related needs. While all these factors are interrelated and can influence health outcomes, health literacy is most closely tied to the ability to access and utilize health care effectively.