# Assessing Risk Literacy Skills: Enhancing Healthcare Management among University Students

## TL;DR

This study examines how well university students understand risk, finding that many have low numeracy skills, which could impact healthcare decisions.

## Contribution

The study introduces a focus on university students' risk literacy using the Berlin Numeracy Test, highlighting a gap in healthcare education.

## Key findings

- Most university students in the study had below-average numeracy skills.
- Sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with risk literacy levels.
- The findings suggest a need to improve risk communication for students with low numeracy.

## Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants of risk literacy among university students in the United States by utilizing the Berlin Numeracy Test. Risk literacy skills are essential for decision-making and communication of risks, but few studies consider university students. This study aims to evaluate the association of sociodemographic factors with individual risk literacy levels. An observational cross-sectional survey study was used with a convenience sample of 184 undergraduate and graduate university students. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences for demographics at risk for negative outcomes associated with lower risk literacy. For this group of students, the majority had below-average numeracy. These findings can guide healthcare professionals to focus on college-age individuals with low-risk literacy scores to enhance patient understanding, facilitate communication, and promote healthier behaviors.