This study examined the relationships among perceived health status, f
unctional status, and chronic illness in working-age adults to support
the development of effective health promotion. Data from the 1987 Med
ical Expenditure Survey (NMES) were evaluated. Analysis showed that fu
nctional status is more strongly correlated to perceived health status
than is chronic illness. This suggests that functional status is an i
mportant part of the notion of health of the working-age adult.