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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Hongmei Yang and Xiaoming Li. Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, 4201 St. Antoine Street, UHC-6D, Detroit, MI 48201, 3019105966, hyang@psi.org

Background: Existing studies have suggested a negative association between migration and health status. However, the findings have been largely based on studies among trans-country/ trans-culture immigrants and war refugees. It is unclear whether the relationship holds for inner-country temporary economic migrants and the association differs by pattern of migration (i.e., intra-province vs. inter-province). The current study was designed to examine the association of migration pattern with physical and mental health and health seeking behaviors among rural-to-urban migrants in Nanjing, China. Methods: A sample of 1,878 eligible migrants was interviewed in a cross-sectional survey. MANCOVA was employed to examine the association between migration pattern and health status and access to health care. Results: Compared to intra-province migrants (60%), inter-province migrants had less formal education and have stayed in Nanjing for a shorter time. They also had worse living and working conditions. Inter-province migrants had higher proportions of being depressive (29% vs. 21%, p<.001) and being unsatisfied with life (27% vs. 22%, p=.02). They tended to have poorer access to health care as well (p<.001). After controlling for other significant variables including living and working conditions, migration pattern was still associated with mental health and health seeking behaviors. Conclusions: Inter-province migrants are at higher risk for poor mental health and less access to health care. Specific attention should be paid to the health promotion and health care access of inter-province rural-to-urban migrants or other types of temporary economic migrants.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, I will be able to

• Articulate several methods assessing health status.
• Develop the abstract into a full paper, incorporating suggestions collected at the conference.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered