Factors associated with the health record participation among migrant older adults in Mainland China

BACKGROUND: Health records are vital for healthcare informatization and public health initiatives. The enrollment of health records among China’s migrant older adults is critical to improving their health outcomes and promoting healthcare equity. Therefore, it is important to examine the factors associated with their participation in record enrollment. METHODS: A total of 5,038 migrant older adults aged 60 years and older were selected from the 2018 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) for analysis. Binary logistic regression was employed to explore factors associated with health record establishment among this population. RESULTS: The health record establishment rate among migrant older adults in mainland China was 35.93%. Several factors positively associated with this outcome were identified, including residing in the central region (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.88–3.21), being female (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11–1.50), being aged 80 years or older (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.07–2.98), having a monthly household income below average (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16–1.71), having a migration history of more than five years (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.17–1.62), and having received three or more types of community health education (OR = 4.73, 95% CI: 3.79–5.89). CONCLUSION: Health record participation rates among migrant older adults remain comparatively low. To address this gap, targeted interventions and management strategies are warranted, with a particular focus on younger migrants and those residing in eastern regions of China. Recommended measures include the integration of health resources and the enhancement of community-based health education to improve participation.