Selected external factors influencing the health status of rural society during Poland’s membership in the EU

Health care is one of the most important factors determining the standard of living of the population (Kowalski, 1998). The health status of society is influenced by a number of factors. In simple terms, they can be grouped into those that are the result of health-promoting behaviors and the lifestyle of society (internal factors) and the conditions of the surrounding environment (external factors), i.e. those related to the state of the natural environment, working conditions, as well as access to public infrastructure (water and sewage systems, highways) and access to health care facilities. The publication aims to analyze changes in external factors over the 20 years of Poland’s membership in the EU in relation to the health status of rural society and thus improving the attractiveness of rural areas as a place of residence.