Table 4 Factor loadings of Swe-HLS-EU-Q16 (PCA, Oblimin rotation, n = 335)

O. Understand information in the media on how to get healthier

0.844

0.031

− 0.016

− 0.033

Access, understand and process information in relation to health

L. Decide how you can protect yourself from illness based on information in the media

0.756

− 0.124

− 0.329

0.023

N. Understand advice on health from family members or friends

0.671

0.109

0.208

0.030

K. Judge if the information on health risks in the media is reliable

0.598

− 0.010

− 0.417

0.017

M. Find out about activities that are good for your mental well-being

0.466

0.046

0.227

0.386

P. Judge which everyday behaviour is related to your health

0.448

0.263

0.108

0.116

D. Understand your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instruction on how to take a prescribed medicine

− 0.038

0.913

− 0.040

− 0.055

Understand information and follow instructions from healthcare professionals

G. Follow instructions from your doctor or pharmacist

0.016

0.868

− 0.001

− 0.042

C. Understand what your doctor says to you

0.057

0.610

− 0.305

0.080

J. Understand why you need health screenings

0.129

0.351

0.170

0.275

E. Judge when you may need to get a second opinion from another doctor

0.092

0.140

− 0.690

0.146

Process and apply information from healthcare

F. Use information the doctor gives you to make decisions about your illness

0.041

0.315

− 0.574

0.234

A. Find information on treatments of illnesses that concern you

− 0.112

− 0.050

− 0.124

0.851

Access and understand information in relation to illness

B. Find out where to get professional help when you are ill

0.044

0.049

− 0.081

0.700

I. Understand health warnings about behaviour such as smoking, low physical activity and drinking too much

0.052

0.088

0.269

0.665

H. Find information on how to manage mental health problems like stress or depression

0.111

− 0.045

− 0.194

0.660