Work

Effects of rural-to-urban migration on healthcare utilization of middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: An increasing number of middle-aged and older adults are migrating from rural to urban areas for employment, to care for their younger generation and due to old age. As these age groups move into urban areas, their healthcare service utilization are directly related to their health status and basic rights to survival. It also places higher demands on China's healthcare service provision. Objectives: This study aims to examine effects of rural-to-urban migration on healthcare utilization among middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods: Panel data from Waves 3, 4, and 5 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used. We included 318 participants in the exposure group and 7,525 participants in the control group. The study employed propensity score matching (PSM) and Difference in Difference (DID) analysis. Results: > 0.05). Conclusion: Middle-aged and older migrants who migrated to cities reduced inpatient healthcare utilization, possibly due to lower hospitalization reimbursement rates, financial burden, and lower social integration. Policies enhancing health insurance reimbursement rates for migrants, integrated community support programs, and strengthening health education to promote health equity may provide remedy.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1576285

Authors: Lu Xu, Yingchun Chen

Institutions: Hubei Provincial Department of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Identity, and Health

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801