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International Journal of Public Health

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01-08-2012 | Original Article

Migration and depressive symptoms in migrant-sending areas: findings from the survey of internal migration and health in China

Authors: Yao Lu, Peifeng Hu, Donald J. Treiman

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2012

Abstract

Objectives

China has experienced large-scale internal migration and growing mental health disorders. Limited research has examined the relationship between the two processes. We examined the association between labor out-migration and depressive symptoms of family members left behind in migrant-sending areas.

Methods

We conducted a multistage probability sample survey of Chinese adults in 2008 (“Internal Migration and Health in China”), including 787 people in rural migrant-sending areas. To study whether adults in out-migrant households were more likely to experience depressive symptoms (CES-D) than were adults in non-migrant households, we used multivariate regressions and adjusted for a wide range of confounding factors and for the complex sampling design.

Results

Adults in households with labor out-migrants were more likely to report depressive symptoms than those in households without out-migrants, presumably a result of the absence of family members. However, monetary remittances from labor migrants buffered the mental health costs of out-migration.

Conclusions

Labor out-migration has important consequences for the mental health in migrant-sending communities. There is an urgent need to address the psychological costs of migration and to promote regular remittances.

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Title: Migration and depressive symptoms in migrant-sending areas: findings from the survey of internal migration and health in China
Authors: Yao Lu
Peifeng Hu
Donald J. Treiman
Publication date: 01-08-2012
Publisher: SP Birkhäuser Verlag Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2012
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-011-0314-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Migration and depressive symptoms in migrant-sending areas: findings from the survey of internal migration and health in China

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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