ABSTRACT
The link between poverty and ill health is well known. Dickens described it and the relationship was emphasised in 1982 by the Black Report. Wealth is the most important driver of health, and the gap between poor and wealthy people is becoming wider both within the UK and worldwide. Twenty per cent of the rural population of England and 25% of rural households live in 'absolute poverty'. Although other indices correlate well with each other and with health indices such as standard mortality ratios, they fail to reflect the characteristics of rural deprivation. Advantaged and disadvantaged people, in terms of both income and health, live side by side. Employment trends help to explain the reasons for such low incomes. The number of people employed in agriculture is decreasing. Rural health workers should be aware of the importance of poverty and deprivation and look out for those who are affected.
