Health care utilisation amongst Shenzhen migrant workers: does being insured make a difference?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Economics
• Sociology of Health

Background:

• Shenzhen, a major metropolitan area, attracts millions of migrant workers.
• A new health insurance scheme targeting migrant workers was recently introduced in Shenzhen.
• Understanding the health needs and healthcare utilization of migrant workers is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare health needs, self-reported health, and healthcare utilization between insured and uninsured migrant workers in Shenzhen.
• To evaluate the impact of a new health insurance scheme on migrant worker healthcare access.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted using multi-staged sampling among migrant factory workers.
• Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the collected data.

Main Results:

• Over half (55.11%) of the 4634 surveyed migrant workers were uninsured.
• Uninsured workers were more likely to be female, single, younger, less educated, and have lower incomes.
• Inability to pay was a significant barrier, with 48.65% of those referred for inpatient care not attending. Insured individuals were more likely to visit doctors when sick.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare utilization patterns differ significantly based on insurance status among migrant workers.
• The current health insurance system exhibits inequitable distribution, disproportionately affecting younger, less educated, lower-income women.
• Inclusion of vulnerable groups in developing insurance schemes is essential for achieving greater health equity.