Navigating chronic illness: the influence of health literacy on disease onset and quality of life

More than one-third of the Dutch population has limited health literacy (LHL), impacting their ability to understand health information. LHL is associated with poorer health outcomes, higher hospitalization rates, and increased mortality. Those with LHL are more likely to have chronic conditions and a lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While substantial evidence supports the importance of LHL in health outcomes, it is primarily based on cross-sectional data, lacking insight into causal relationships. This study will use longitudinal data to evaluate the relationship between health literacy and chronic conditions, focusing on whether LHL can predict disease onset and a lower HRQoL.