An Empirical Research On Migrant Workers' Health Demand In Hangzhou City

With the continuous deepening of urbanization, migrant workers play an increasingly important role in China's economic and social development, but their health does not get enough concern from the society. At the same time, the hard work for migrant workers determines a healthy body is the first factor of production. Therefore, studying the health of migrant workers has importantly practical significance.The writer conducted health and medical service utilization survey on migrant workers in Hangzhou communities, hotels, construction sites, professional markets, and so on from July to August 2009. Micro-level data of migrant workers provided conditions for research on demand for health.Based on Grossman's health capital demand theory, the paper used self evaluation of health and body mass index to estimate the current health capital stock, and then compared the health status in different industries and income groups. Logistic model and Multiple linear regression model were employed to analyse the factors influencing demand for health of the migrant workers.The findings of descriptive research on health status of the migrant workers indicated, based on self evaluation of health, there were some differences among different industries and income groups. The migrant workers' health in service industry were better that in manufacturing industry and construction industry. As the income level rised, the health status of migrant workers were gradually improved. There was deterioration in the health of migrant workers. Compared with the health status before going out, about a quarter of migrant workers' heath were deteriorated. Based on body mass index, different industries and different income groups also had different health status.The results of empirical research on demand for health of the migrant workers indicated, age, industry, and work time per week had significantly negative influences on demand for health, while education, income, health insurance, and health service price had significantly positive effects. Based on self evaluation of health, sex and marital status had prominently positive effects on demand for health, while based on body mass index, sex and marital status had prominently negative influences. Factors affecting demand for health had great differences in different industries and income groups. On the whole, compared with self evaluation of health, the regression results by body mass index conformed to the Grossman's theoretical prediction better.