ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explore the trends in the major causes of illness and death in the UK over the last century. The differences in the health status of groups within the population are also examined along the lines of class, gender and ethnicity. The explanations for these differences are analysed as well as the patterns of health service utilisation. Before dealing with trends, explanations and utilisation, an examination of concepts of disease, illness and health are examined and problems of the measurement of these phenomena discussed.
