Internal migration and maternal health service utilisation in Jiangsu, China

Trop Med Int Health. 2017 Feb;22(2):124-132. doi: 10.1111/tmi.12806. Epub 2016 Dec 1.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the use of maternal health care services by internal migrants in view of their migration status.

Methods: Cross-sectional household survey in two cities of Jiangsu Province. Questions elicited data on socioeconomic information and MHC service use (pre-natal examination, post-natal visit, pre-natal health education). Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with MHC service use.

Results: A total of 946 married women were recruited, of whom 22.3% were internal migrants. Compared to local residents, migrants were five times less likely to attend pre-natal examinations (84.4% vs. 91.7%; OR = 0.49, P = 0.002), three times less likely to have post-natal visits (15.6% vs. 50.2%; OR = 0.18, P < 0.001) and less likely to attend health education during pregnancy (87.0% vs. 95.7%; OR = 0.30, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression also revealed a lower proportion of MHC use among migrants (ORm 0.52, 0.16, and 0.3, respectively).

Conclusions: Internal migrants in Jiangsu Province underuse MHC services to a significant degree. More attention needs to be paid to pregnant migrant women, as they are vulnerable group in society.

Keywords: health service utilisation; internal migrant; logistic regression; maternal health care.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • China / ethnology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Family Characteristics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Transients and Migrants / statistics & numerical data*