Neighborhood effects on health among migrants and natives in Shanghai, China

Neighborhood-health links: Differences between rural-to-urban migrants and natives in Shanghai

“…For example, the availability of recreational parks and bus routes has been found to be positively associated with levels of physical activity participation, thus indirectly promoting health. By contrast, environmental hazards such as air pollution, spatial proximity to solid waste sites, and noise are confirmed to be negative contextual correlates of individual-level health in the US (Geelen et al 2009;Downey 2006;Wen, Hawkley, and Cacioppo 2006) as well as in China (Chen et al 2012;Wen et al 2010).…”

“…Data used in this study were from the 2008 Shanghai Rural-to-Urban Migrant Worker Survey of the adult population aged 18 to 64 in Shanghai, conducted by the Institute of Demographic Research, Fudan University (Wen et al 2010). The survey was sponsored by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Fudan University, and the University of Utah, and was approved by the survey and behavioral research ethics committee at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (See Wen et al 2010 for more details).…”

“…The survey was sponsored by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Fudan University, and the University of Utah, and was approved by the survey and behavioral research ethics committee at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (See Wen et al 2010 for more details). Because approximately 80% of migrants live on the outskirts of Shanghai, the survey covered two urban districts (Yangpu and Putuo, in the city proper) and three suburban districts (Baoshan, Jiading, and Songjiang).…”

“…Perceived stress was assessed using Cohen's perceived stress scale (Cohen, Kamarck, and Mermelstein 1983) with a few modifications to fit the Chinese context (Wen et al 2010). The scale included eight items with an alpha coefficient of 0.89, asking how often in the last month the respondent had: (1) dealt successfully with dayto-day problems and annoyances; (2) felt that he/she was effectively coping with important changes that were occurring in his/her life; (3) felt confident about his/her ability to handle his/her personal problems; (4) felt that things were going his/her way; (5) been able to control irritations in his/her life; (6) felt that he/she was on top of things; (7) found himself/herself thinking about things that he/she wants to accomplish; and (8) been able to control the way he/she spends his/her time.…”

“…So far most evidence on these issues is based on studies conducted in Western societies, which may not be applicable to other social, economic, and cultural settings. In China, research on the link between neighborhood environments/contexts and health has recently emerged, focusing on rural-to-urban migrants (hereafter migrant workers) in big cities and reporting significant associations between neighborhood contexts and health outcomes (e.g., Chen and Chen 2015;Palmer, Perkins, and Xu 2011;Wen et al 2010). However, little work has been done to evaluate how the associations between neighborhood perceptions and health may differ between migrant workers and local residents.…”