Those living in poverty are more likely to suffer long-term ill-health and premature death.
The finding is contained in a report on a 'cross-border approach to tackling health inequality' published by the Institute of Public Health and the Combat Poverty Agency.
Its authors say they hope the document will help policymakers understand how their decisions can influence health.
The study notes that in Northern Ireland, 47% of unskilled workers suffer from long-standing illness compared to 30% of professionals and managers.
In the Republic, 38% of those at risk of poverty reported suffering from a chronic illness compared to 23% of the general population.
The report highlights the extent to which health outcomes are influenced by social factors, such as poor housing, nutrition and education.
It says that those who are at risk of poverty are 150% more likely to suffer from chronic illness than the general population.
People living in poverty are also 150% to 200% more likely to die prematurely.
The report also draws attention to Ireland's poor record on child poverty, noting that it has the third highest rate of child poverty in the EU.
It calls on key policymakers to take into account the effect on health when making decisions about housing, education, and social policy.
