Quality of life in rural-to-urban migrants in China: Effects of perceived stigmatization and social inequity

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is considered an important aspect of a population's self-perceived wellbeing. Perceived stigmatization and social inequity pose potential risks to one's QoL. The studies of QoL in general populations have been limited worldwide, particularly in the developing countries such as China. The 114 million rural-to-urban migrants in China represent one of the largest economics-driven internal migrations in modern human history. These migrants may face “status-based” stigmatization or unequally treatment in society at urban destination. This study aims to assess migrants' QoL, and examine how perceived stigmatization and social inequity affect the QoL.

Methods: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1,006 rural-to-urban migrants (mean age 25.39 years and 33% women). The sample was recruited from 10 occupation clusters in Beijing using quota sampling scheme. QoL was measured with WHOQOL-BREF. Participants reported their perceptions and experiences of being decriminalized in urban destination and perceived social inequity. Multivariate regressions were employed for data analysis.

Results: The mean scores for the four QoL domain for migrants are: physical health=15, psychological health=14, social relationship=15, and environment=12. Both perceived stigmatization and social inequity are significantly positively associated with four domains of QoL. Perceived stigmatization was a stronger correlate of QoL, even after controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusion: The study represents one of the first efforts to study QoL of rural-to-urban migrants in China. The migrants perceived high level of stigmatization and social inequity, which strongly affect their QoL. Public health interventions are needed to reduce stigmatization against migrants and improve their QoL.