What is the third level of health literacy intervention?

• A. Functional/basic literacy
• B. Communicative/interactive literacy
• C. None of the above
• D. Critical literacy

Answer: (D)

Health literacy isn't just about reading ability; it's about how people use information to take control of their health. The third level, critical literacy, involves not only understanding health information but also evaluating its credibility, recognizing bias and gaps, and understanding how social and systemic factors affect health. It includes the capacity to question sources, compare options, and act to improve health or address inequities. In practice, someone at this level might critically appraise online health claims, ask informed questions in a clinical encounter, and advocate for policies or services that reduce barriers to care. The earlier level focuses on decoding and basic comprehension, while the next level emphasizes using information in interactions and decision-making; the third level adds analysis, empowerment, and action.