What percentage of Alabamians have low health literacy (5th grade or below)?

• A. 42%
• B. 59%
• C. 75%
• D. 90%

Answer: (B)

The question is testing recognition of how widespread low health literacy is in a state. In Alabama, about 59% of adults have health literacy at or below a 5th-grade level, meaning a majority may have difficulty understanding standard health information.

This level of literacy affects how people understand medication instructions, appointment information, and health recommendations. Knowing this helps providers choose clearer communication strategies—use plain language, short sentences, avoid medical jargon, include visuals, and use teach-back to confirm understanding. Among the options, 59% best reflects the real-world prevalence in Alabama; the other numbers would understate or overstate how common low health literacy is.