Mechanisms and Support Policies of Urban Integration on the Health of Migrant Workers in China

Abstract

The resolution of health issues among the migrant population, predominantly composed of rural migrant workers, constitutes an integral aspect of China's initiatives towards "human-centered urbanization" and "new urbanization." The interaction between health, income, and medical insurance systems with urban integration mechanisms underscores this relationship. The impact of urban integration on the health of rural migrant workers primarily manifests through mechanisms such as social support, health selection, and population heterogeneity. Simultaneously, health influences urban stay intentions and social mobility through employment and income dynamics. Therefore, it is imperative to comprehensively enhance the health of rural migrant workers through measures such as fostering a fair employment environment, equalizing urban public service provisions, modernizing the management of migrant populations, and optimizing the entrepreneurial environment for rural migrant workers upon returning to their hometowns. These efforts are essential for promoting interactions between urban and rural elements and for advancing the urbanization process more effectively.