Addressing health literacy in schools in the WHO European Region

Health literacy is a key determinant of health (1). Several studies have reported a positive association between high levels of health literacy and better health outcomes in children (2-4). For example, the WHO collaborative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey found that health literacy is one of the main factors contributing to health differences and is associated with educational outcomes such as academic achievement and post-school aspirations (4). Health literacy is a useful phenomenon in the understanding and reduction of avoidable health disparities because it can be learned and developed (4–6). However, children’s health literacy should not merely be seen as a risk…