Abstract
ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) status and associated factors among rural-to-urban migrants in China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 856 rural-to-urban migrants working at small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in Shenzhen and Zhongshan City in 2012. Andersen's behavioral model was used as a theoretical framework to exam the relationships among factors affecting HRQOL. Analysis was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM).ResultsWorkers with statutory working hours, higher wages and less migrant experience had higher HRQOL scores. Need (contracting a disease in the past two weeks and perception of needing health service) had the greatest total effect on HRQOL (β = −0.78), followed by enabling (labor contract, insurance purchase, income, physical examination during work and training) (β = 0.40), predisposing (age, family separation, education) (β = 0.22) and health practices and use of health service (physical exercise weekly, health check-up and use of protective equipments) (β = −0.20).ConclusionsPriority should be given to satisfy the needs of migrant workers, and improve the enabling resources.
Highlights
China has experienced dramatic industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth over the last three decades [1]
Rural-to-urban migrants, those employed at small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are more vulnerable for occupational health risks and reduced healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL)
Basic characteristics of the study participants Nearly 40% of the participants in this investigation were female, 80% were at the age of 15 to 39 years old, 36% were undergoing family separation; nearly 41% of China’s migrant workers in 2011 were female, 80.4% were at the age of 15 to 39 years old, 35% were undergoing family separation [36]
Summary
China has experienced dramatic industrialization, urbanization, and economic growth over the last three decades [1]. As the important drivers of economic growth, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employ 75 percent of China’s total workforce. SMEs host most of the rural-tourban migrants, who migrate from less developed areas to more developed areas for better livelihood. Access to health care and healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) of migrants has become increasingly important in China [6]. Rural-to-urban migrants, those employed at SMEs, are more vulnerable for occupational health risks and reduced HRQOL. SMEs often failed to provide adequate health protection for migrant workers due to insufficient funds, poor management and supervision [7,8]. Migrants often live in poor conditions and work in highly intensive environment [8,9,10]
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