How accurate are Townsend Deprivation Scores as predictors of self-reported health? A comparison with individual level data

Abstract

TDSs calculated at the enumeration district level are strongly correlated with a similar measure of deprivation calculated at the individual level and are similarly predictive of health. This is not the case for TDSs calculated at the ward level. Enumeration district TDSs are good proxies for individual level deprivation in Newcastle upon Tyne. This may not be the case in more mobile populations.