Is the health of people living in rural areas different from those in cities? Evidence from routine data linked with the Scottish Health Survey

Abstract

Background: To examine the association between rurality and health in Scotland, after adjusting for differences in individual and practice characteristics. Methods. Design: Mortality and hospital record data linked to two cross sectional health surveys. Setting: Respondents in the community-based 1995 and 1998 Scottish Health Survey who consented to record-linkage follow-up. Main outcome measures: Hypertension, all-cause premature mortality, total hospital stays and admissions due to coronary heart disease (CHD). Results: Older age and lower social class were strongly associated with an increased risk of each of the four health outcomes measured. After adjustment for individual and practice ..