New research has been published by Dr Joanne Protheroe, chair of the Health Literacy Steering Group, examining health literacy levels and associated lifestyle and demographic factors, in Stoke on Trent.

Lower health literacy is a public health issue that follows a social gradient, potentially reinforcing existing health inequalities. However, levels of health literacy in particular populations can be unclear and are a key to identifying effective public health interventions.

This research examined health literacy levels in Stoke-on-Trent, where 31.2% of the population live in areas classified amongst the 10% most deprived in England.