Which of the following is NOT listed as a behavioral cue for low health literacy?

• A. Frequently missed appointments
• B. Reading in front of others
• C. Poor adherence to medications
• D. Always following instructions

Answer: (D)

Understanding health literacy involves recognizing how patients’ ability to comprehend and use health information shows up in their behaviors. Behavioral cues of low health literacy often include missing appointments because they may not grasp scheduling or the importance of follow-up, reading materials in front of others due to embarrassment about difficulty decoding, and poor adherence to medications because dosing instructions aren’t understood or remembered. Always following instructions, on the other hand, suggests the patient can understand and apply guidance, indicating adequate health literacy rather than a cue of the opposite. So this option is not a sign of low health literacy. Consider using teach-back to verify understanding and address any barriers.