What is the impact of health literacy on healthcare costs? A systematic review and evidence synthesis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Higher levels of individual health literacy have been associated with better health outcomes, greater medication adherence and improved self-management of chronic conditions. Hence, higher health literacy levels are expected to be indirectly associated with lower healthcare costs. The aim of this review is to identify and synthesise available studies on the relationship between individual health literacy and healthcare costs.

Design

Systematic review with qualitative evidence synthesis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and CINAHL were searched up to 7 March 2025.

Eligibility criteria

We considered only studies that investigated and quantified the relationship between individual health literacy and healthcare costs sustaine

SUBMITTER: Tusoni F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12716590 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature