Abstract: Objective To analyze the current situation,hotspots,and trends of research on health literacy of patients with chronic diseases domestically and internationally,and to provide ideas and references for improving the health of patients in China.Methods The keywords "chronic disease","chronic illness","chronic non-communicable disease",and "health literacy" were searched in the database of China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI） and Web of Science core collection from January 1 2007 to May 1 2024. CiteSpace 6.2.R7 software was used to create the maps,and visual analysis were conducted regarding the trend of publication,authors,institutions,journals,and keywords. Results A total of 673 articles were included,including 259 Chinese articles and 414 English articles,with the number of publications increasing year by year.The main focus of research in China was on the health literacy of individuals with diabetes,cardiovascular disease,and cerebrovascular diseases,while research in overseas nations was more likely to focus on patients with chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Cross-sectional studies were the major for both domestic and international research. Correlation studies,mediating effects,influencing factors,and scale compilation concerning self-efficacy and self-management were the main research contentsat home and abroad.In addition,foreign scholars included more likely to favor systematic evaluation of this field. Conclusion Academics domestically and internationally have focused a great deal of attention on research on the health literacy of patients with chronic diseases.Domestic academics should unfold hybrid studies in the future and implement precision nursing based on disease characteristics. Mental health literacy,health literacy among younger and middle-aged patients,and intelligent platform-based care are the development trends for future research.

Key words: Chronic diseases, Health literacy, Research hotspots, Visual analysis