Disaster health literacy in Germany – findings from a representative survey

Self-protection and self-help are recognised worldwide as key to effective disaster management. To protect themselves, it is imperative that the population can access, understand, assess and utilise relevant health information before, during and after disasters of any kind. There is little reliable data available on the extent of this so-called ‘Disaster Health Literacy’ (DHL). A 12-item questionnaire for assessing DHL (DIS-HLGER) was used for the first time alongside the HLS19-Q47 in the 3rd Health Literacy Survey among the German population (HLS-GER 3). This survey was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025 using a quota sample of the adult resident population, based on gender, age, educational attainment and household size (n = 2,648). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using paper and pencil (PAPI). The data on DHL was analysed using univariate and bivariate statistical methods. Eight out of ten respondents had a low DHL (81.7%), with 69.0% having an inadequate, 12.7% a problematic, 8.7% an adequate and 10.0% an excellent DHL. Those aged 65 and over (69%), as well as those with low social status (89%), financial deprivation (88.9%) or a recognized severe disability (88.5%), had a particularly high proportion of low DHL. Health information tasks that must be addressed during and after a disaster pose a greater challenge than those in the pre-disaster phase. People aged 65 and over with specific health conditions face more and different challenges than other selected population groups and the general population. The results of this initial survey on DHL in Germany do not necessarily indicate individual shortcomings in terms of information and expertise. Instead, the evidence suggests that there is a lack of accessible, reliable information on how the public can protect their lives and health before, during and after disasters. It is essential to produce and disseminate such health information, tailored carefully to specific target groups.

Key messages

• The ability to access, understand, assess and utilise health information is crucial for individuals to protect their own health and lives before, during and after a disaster.

• It is imperative to provide differentiated and targeted information on self-protection and self-help in dealing with adverse events to enhance the public’s disaster health literacy.