Abstract: Objective: To examine the importance of health literacy to general population health and its impact on nursing practice. Methods: This study systematically searched the databases including PubMed and CINAHL to collect studies about the impact of health literacy on the health of Hong Kong residents and nursing practice. The included studies were also integrated and analysed. Results: Health literacy was found to be associated with disease prevention (such as identifying diabetes), chronic illness management (hypertension, stroke and cancer), mental health (depression, schizophrenia) and cognitive health. The health literacy of individuals are also affected by factors such as their age, cultural differences, language abilities and education level. Conclusion: Related research on health literacy can provide theoretical and practical basis for health promotion and health education activities. It is expected that research on digital health literacy will increase in the future. Nurses are recommended to develop interventions to improve patients' and caregivers' health literacy and health outcomes through innovative strategies.

Key words: health literacy; preventive behaviour; chronic illness management; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region