Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the status and influencing factors of health literacy among rural residents in Guangzhou municipality and to provide evidence for developing appropriate intervention measures and strategies of health literacy.MethodsUsing multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling,630 permanent rural residents aged 18-69 years were investigated with a questionnaire of health literacy.Results The health literacy rate was 18.22%.The health literacy rates for basic health concept and knowledge,healthy lifestyle and behaviors,and health related skills were 33.17%, 7.64%,and 45.53%,respectively.The health literacy rates for attitude towards health,infectious diseases prevention,chronic non-communicable disease prevention,safety and first aid,and basic medical care were 63.09%,31.06%,26.83%, 40.65%,and 13.98%,respectively.The results of logistic regression analysis showed that major influencing factors of health literacy among the residents were education,age,and years of living in a specific area.ConclusionThe health literacy rates are different among the rural residents of different ages and educational level.Comprehensive health education should be carried out among rural residents according to their characteristics.