How Temporary Employment Relates to Community Health Services Utilization: Evidence from China Migrants Dynamic Survey

Abstract

Although community health services provide initial health counseling, nursing care, and medical diagnosis as basic social services in many countries, their equitable provision faces challenges. This study examined the relationship and underlying economic and social mechanisms between temporary employment and the utilization of community health services by China’s migrant workers. Data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey, which included 69,524 respondents, was used to conduct a mediation analysis based on the inverse odds ratio weighting. Findings included: (a) temporary employment decreases the probability of migrant workers having a community health record and receiving community health education; (b) the notable lack of social capital among temporary migrant workers accounts for their reduced utilization of these services, whereas their economic capability and local integration appear to have little or no influence on deficiency of accessibility. These results suggest that to achieve equitable community health services in China, policymakers should concentrate on reducing social marginalization of temporary migrants, such as fostering engagement in diverse community activities and public affairs. Future research ought to evaluate the effectiveness of current policy interventions and highlight the cumulative disadvantages of temporary employment on social services.