Table 2 The proportion of responses (%) in each category of the 4-point rating scale for each HLS-Q12 item

On a scale from very difficult to very easy, how easy would you say it is to:

2

find information on treatments of illnesses that concern you?

2

25

64

10

7

understand what to do in a medical emergency?

3

38

53

5

10

judge the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options?

6

56

35

3

14

follow the instructions on medication?

2

10

72

16

18

find information on how to manage mental health problems like stress or depression?

7

55

33

6

23

understand why you need health screenings?

0

3

68

28

28

judge if the information on health risks in the media is reliable?

7

60

30

4

30

decide how you can protect yourself from illness based on advice from family and friends?

7

52

37

4

32

find information on healthy activities, such as exercise, healthy food and nutrition?

2

13

70

16

38

understand information on food packaging?

10

43

40

7

43

judge which everyday behaviour is related to your health?

1

13

70

16

44

make decisions to improve your health?

2

35

51

11

average

4 (49/12)

34 (403/12)

52 (623/12)

11 (126/12)