Table 3 Shortened factor structure of the health literacy behavior and skills scale for preconception care (n = 2000)

 1

Are you able to understand instructions provided by doctors or pharmacists on how to use medication prescribed to you?

 2

Do you follow instructions provided by doctors or pharmacists on how to use medication?

 3

Are you able to ask a doctor or pharmacist for clarification when his or her explanation is unclear to you?

 4

Do you make it a habit to take nutritionally well-balanced meals?

 5

Do you make it a habit to consume plenty of fruits or vegetables?

 6

Are you able to determine whether a meal is nutritionally well-balanced or not?

 7

Do you pay attention to additives when buying food products?

 8

When buying food products, do you pay attention to their places of production?

 9

Do you obtain daily information on air pollution (e.g., PM 2.5) and avoid going out to places with high levels of pollution concentration?

 10

Do you regularly do things to reduce stress (e.g., getting plenty of rest, exercise)?

 11

Do you have your own ways of dealing with stress?

 12

Do you engage in activities to enrich your inner life and improve your mental state (e.g., meditation, exercise, walking, yoga)?

 13

Do you measure your weight on a regular basis?

 14

Do you know your Body Mass Index value?

 15

Do you consistently make efforts to maintain your ideal weight?

 16

Do you use your maternity record book to record and keep track of vaccines taken?

 17

Have you researched information regarding the side effects of a vaccination on your own?