Reproductive and Sexual Health of Chinese Migrants

ObjectiveTo investigate the reproductive and sexual health situation, including knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, among a population-based sample of internal migrant workers in China.MethodA cross-sectional survey of 4 900 rural-to-urban migrants in 6 provinces of China was conducted. Participants completed a 30-min semi-structured questionnaire about contraceptive practices, sexual behavior, and HIV-related knowledge.ResultsMigrants lacked knowledge of reproductive and sexual health issues. Among those who had heard any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), only 79.1%, 46.2%, 86.1%, 14.5% and 82.2%, respectively, knew that gonorrhea, condyloma, syphilis, chancroid, and AIDS were STIs. About three-quarters of participants had not used any contraceptive method at sexual debut. Among current users of contraceptive methods, 85.5% indicated that they were satisfied with the method. Before adoption of a contraceptive method, 46.6% of the migrant workers were unaware of the advantages/disadvantages of the method and 75.3% had no knowledge of emergency contraception. Nearly one-quarter (23.4%) reported that they had premarital sex. Among migrants who were sexually active one month prior to the survey, only 14.0% reported that they had used condoms.ConclusionThe limited sexual and reproductive health knowledge and unmet reproductive health services of migrant workers in China underscore the need for a comprehensive package of sexual and reproductive health interventions that combine cognitive and behavioral skills training and target both migrants and health care providers.