Table 3 Factor loadings for the model reflecting the single latent construct of health literacy (N = 14,184)

1… to find out where to get professional help when you are ill? (e.g., doctor, pharmacist, psychologist)

2… to understand information about what to do in a medical emergency (e.g., fainting, coma, trauma)?

3… to judge the advantages and disadvantages of different treatment options (e.g., surgery, Western medicine, Chinese medicine)?

4… to act on advice from your doctor or pharmacist? (e.g., eat less fried food, exercise more)

5… to find information on how to handle mental health problems? (e.g., stress, depression, anxiety)

6… to understand information about recommended health screenings or examinations (e.g., colorectal cancer screening, blood sugar test)?

7… to judge if information on unhealthy habits, such as smoking, low physical activity or drinking too much alcohol, are reliable (e.g., smoking causes cancer)?

8… to decide how you can protect yourself from illness using information from the mass media? (e.g., Newspapers, TV, Internet)

9… to find information on healthy lifestyles such as physical exercise, healthy food or nutrition?

10… to understand advice concerning your health from family or friends (e.g., healthy diet, regular exercise)?

11… to judge how your housing conditions may affect your health and well-being (e.g., light, ventilation)?

12… to make decisions to improve your health and well-being?