Objective To examine the correlation between poverty and disease and major impact factors of health poverty under urban-rural dual structure condition for exploring pathway to eliminate health poverty in China.

Methods We extracted data on 35 719 adult residents (≥ 16 years old) from the dataset of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) conducted in 2012. National poverty line was used as the criteria of low income and self-rated health was adopted for health assessment. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze associations of social and disease factors with health poverty among the participants.

Results Of the adults surveyed, 18% were in poor health condition and 13% were at the risk of health poverty. There was a significant correlation between poor health and low income (P < 0.01) and the correlation was much more strong among the rural adults. Gender, age, and education level were major factors related to health poverty (all P < 0.01). Low education and poor living condition were significant impact factors for incidence of poverty-related disease (both P < 0.01). Malignant tumor and diseases of hematologic and reproductive system had a stronger influence on illness-related poverty.

Conclusion Health poverty is a key determinant for poverty elimination and low education and poor living condition are closely associated with health poverty in China. Specific poverty relief strategies should be developed according to prevalence characteristics in impact factors of health poverty.