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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Measuring the effects of socioeconomic factors on mental health among migrants in urban China: a multiple indicators multiple causes model

Author: Ming Guan

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Objectives

Since 1978, rural–urban migrants mainly contribute Chinese urbanization. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of socioeconomic factors on mental health of them. Their mental health was measured by 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12).

Methods

The study sample comprised 5925 migrants obtained from the 2009 rural-to-urban migrants survey (RUMiC). The relationships among the instruments were assessed by the correlation analysis. The one-factor (overall items), two-factor (positive vs. negative items), and model conducted by principal component analysis were tested in the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). On the basis of three CFA models, the three multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) models with age, gender, marriage, ethnicity, and employment were constructed to investigate the concurrent associations between socioeconomic factors and GHQ-12.

Results

Of the sample, only 1.94% were of ethnic origin and mean age was 31.63 (SD = ±10.43) years. The one-factor, two-factor, and three-factor structure (i.e. semi-positive/negative/independent usefulness) had good model fits in the CFA analysis and gave order (i.e. 2 factor>3 factor>1 factor), which suggests that the three models can be used to assess psychological symptoms of migrants in urban China. All MIMIC models had acceptable fit and gave order (i.e. one-dimensional model>two-dimensional model>three-dimensional model).

Conclusions

There were weak associations of socioeconomic factors with mental health among migrants in urban China. Policy discussion suggested that improvement of socioeconomic status of rural–urban migrants and mental health systems in urban China should be highlighted and strengthened.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Measuring the effects of socioeconomic factors on mental health among migrants in urban China: a multiple indicators multiple causes model
Author
Ming Guan
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-016-0118-y

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