Register      Login
Sexual Health Sexual Health Society
Publishing on sexual health from the widest perspective
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Effect of improving the knowledge, attitude and practice of reproductive health among female migrant workers: a worksite-based intervention in Guangzhou, China

Xue Gao A I , Longchang Xu A I , Ciyong Lu A J , Jie Wu A G , Zhijin Wang A , Peter Decat B , Wei-Hong Zhang B H , Yimin Chen C , Eileen Moyer D , Shizhong Wu E , Meile Minkauskiene F , Dirk Van Braeckel B and Marleen Temmerman B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, NO. 74, Zhongshan II Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, Guangdong Province, China.

B International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 UZ P114, 9000 Ghent, VAT BE 248.015.142, Belgium.

C National Research Institution for Family Planning, NO. 12, Hui temple, Haidian district, Beijing, 100081, China.

D Department of Anthropology, Amsterdam School for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, 1001 NA Amsterdam, Postbus 15508, The Netherlands.

E Donghua Research Institute of Reproductive Health in Chengdu, NO.324, Yulindong XVI Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, China.

F Kaunas University of Medicine, Eiveniu 2, LT-50009, Kaunas, Lithuania.

G Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, 640 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.

H School of Public Health, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik, 808, CP 592, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.

I These authors contributed equally to this work.

J Corresponding author. Email: luciyong@mail.sysu.edu.cn

Sexual Health 12(1) 13-21 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14061
Submitted: 26 March 2014  Accepted: 3 October 2014   Published: 4 December 2014

Abstract

Background: The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and attitudes of female migrant workers are far from optimum in China. A worksite-based intervention program on SRH-related knowledge, attitude and practice (SRH KAP) modification may be an effective approach to improve the SRH status among migrant workers. This study aimed to identify better intervention approaches via the implementation and evaluation of two intervention packages. Methods: A worksite-based cluster-randomised intervention study was conducted from June to December 2008 in eight factories in Guangzhou, China. There were 1346 female migrant workers who participated in this study. Factories were randomly allocated to the standard package of interventions group (SPIG) or the intensive package of interventions group (IPIG). Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the effect of two interventions. Results: SRH knowledge scores were higher at follow up than at baseline for all participants of the SPIG; the knowledge scores increased from 6.50 (standard deviation (s.d.) 3.673) to 8.69 (s.d. 4.085), and from 5.98 (s.d. 3.581) to 11.14 (s.d. 3.855) for IPIG; SRH attitude scores increased among unmarried women: the attitude scores changed from 4.25 (s.d. 1.577) to 4.46 (s.d. 1.455) for SPIG, and from 3.99 (s.d. 1.620) to 4.64 (s.d. 1.690) for IPIG; most SRH-related practice was also modified (P < 0.05). In addition, after intervention, the IPIG had a higher knowledge level than the SPIG; the scores were 11.14 (s.d. 3.855) versus 8.69 (s.d. 4.085), and unmarried women in the IPIG had higher condom use rate than the SPIG (86.4% versus 57.1%). Conclusions: The interventions had positive influences on improvements in SRH knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Additionally, IPIs were more effective than SPIs, indicating that a comprehensive intervention may achieve better results.

Additional keywords: China; female migrant; intervention; sexual and reproductive health; worksite based.


References

[1]  Zhu CY, Wang JJ, Fu XH, Zhou ZH, Zhao J, Wang CX. Correlates of quality of life in China rural-urban female migrate workers. Qual Life Res 2012; 21 495–503.
Correlates of quality of life in China rural-urban female migrate workers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21695594PubMed |

[2]  Yan. China’s urbanization rate to further boom: report 2012.Available online at: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-05/04/c_131567076.htm [verified 10 November 2014].

[3]  Gbo S. The sixth national population census in 2010 of Guangdong province report (in Chinese) 2011. Available online at: http://www.gov.cn/gzdt/2011-05/11/content_1861651.htm [verified 10 November 2014].

[4]  UNFPA 1995. Adopted at the International Conference on Population and Development, Cario, 5-13 September 1994. http://www.unfpa.org/public/site/global/publications/pid/1973

[5]  Decat P, Zhang WH, Moyer E, Cheng Y, Wang ZJ, Lu CY, Wu S-Z, Nadisauskiene RJ, Luchters S, Deveugele M, Temmerman M. Determinants of unmet need for contraception among Chinese migrants: a worksite-based survey. Care 2011; 16 26–35.
Determinants of unmet need for contraception among Chinese migrants: a worksite-based survey.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

[6]  Shaokang Z, Zhenwei S, Blas E. Economic transition and maternal health care for internal migrants in Shanghai, China. Health Policy Plan 2002; 17 47–55.
Economic transition and maternal health care for internal migrants in Shanghai, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12477741PubMed |

[7]  Li X, Fang X, Lin D, Mao R, Wang J, Cottrell L, Harris C, Stanton B. HIV/STD risk behaviors and perceptions among rural-to-urban migrants in China. AIDS Educ Prev 2004; 16 538–56.
HIV/STD risk behaviors and perceptions among rural-to-urban migrants in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15585430PubMed |

[8]  Li S, Huang H, Cai Y, Xu G, Huang F, Shen X. Characteristics and determinants of sexual behavior among adolescents of migrant workers in Shangai (China). BMC Public Health 2009; 9 195
Characteristics and determinants of sexual behavior among adolescents of migrant workers in Shangai (China).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19538756PubMed |

[9]  Zhu C, Geng Q, Chen L, Yang H, Jiang W. Impact of an educational programme on reproductive health among young migrant female workers in Shenzhen, China: an intervention study. Int J Behav Med 2014; 21 710–8.
Impact of an educational programme on reproductive health among young migrant female workers in Shenzhen, China: an intervention study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24643443PubMed |

[10]  Zou XP. [Investigation of reproductive health status and service needs among unmarried young men in Changshu]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 2002; 8 347–9.
| 12479124PubMed |

[11]  Su S, Zhang F, Liu Q, Wang Y, Wen J, Tang X, Zhang L. Factors associated with utilization of reproductive healthcare services among migrant women workers in Chong Qing, China. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2014; 127 66–8.
Factors associated with utilization of reproductive healthcare services among migrant women workers in Chong Qing, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24934704PubMed |

[12]  Fang J, Kaufman J. Reproductive health in China: improve the means to the end. Lancet 2008; 372 1619–20.
Reproductive health in China: improve the means to the end.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18930522PubMed |

[13]  Lu C, Xu L, Wu J, Wang Z, Decat P, Zhang WH, Chen Y, Moyer E, Wu S, Minkauskiene M, Van Braeckel D, Temmerman M. Sexual and reproductive health status and related knowledge among female migrant workers in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional survey. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2012; 160 60–5.
Sexual and reproductive health status and related knowledge among female migrant workers in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional survey.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22071111PubMed |

[14]  Ip WY, Chan MY, Chan DS, Chan CW. Knowledge of and attitude to contraception among migrant woman workers in mainland China. J Clin Nurs 2011; 20 1685–95.
Knowledge of and attitude to contraception among migrant woman workers in mainland China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21255168PubMed |

[15]  Qian X, Tang S, Garner P. Unintended pregnancy and induced abortion among unmarried women in China: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2004; 4 1
Unintended pregnancy and induced abortion among unmarried women in China: a systematic review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14736336PubMed |

[16]  Wu X, Tucker JD, Hong F, Messina J, Lan L, Hu Y, Feng T, Emch ME, Liu X, Zhang C, Wen L. Multilevel and spatial analysis of syphilis in Shenzhen, China, to inform spatially targeted control measures. Sex Transm Infect 2012; 88 325–9.
Multilevel and spatial analysis of syphilis in Shenzhen, China, to inform spatially targeted control measures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22378936PubMed |

[17]  Zhao QG, Li B, Tian FL, Yuan DM, Chen CL, Pan WJ, Liu M, Wen XP. [Study on the current status and relative factors on reproductive health of unmarried floating population in Huizhou City]. Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi 2006; 27 1038–42.
| 17415981PubMed |

[18]  Ku L, Sonenstein FL, Lindberg LD, Bradner CH, Boggess S, Pleck JH. Understanding changes in sexual activity among young metropolitan men: 1979–1995. Fam Plann Perspect 1998; 30 256–62.
Understanding changes in sexual activity among young metropolitan men: 1979–1995.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK1M%2Fns1WisA%3D%3D&md5=03139cc8df97b407913228897e503246CAS | 9859015PubMed |

[19]  Renkert S, Nutbeam D. Opportunities to improve maternal health literacy through antenatal education: an exploratory study. Health Promot Int 2001; 16 381–8.
Opportunities to improve maternal health literacy through antenatal education: an exploratory study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MnoslWmsQ%3D%3D&md5=690842470e0715bd5300a4062bc43508CAS | 11733456PubMed |

[20]  Hesketh T, Ye XJ, Li L, Wang HM. Health status and access to health care of migrant workers in China. Public Health Rep 2008; 123 189–97.
| 18457071PubMed |

[21]  Zhao Q, Kulane A, Gao Y, Xu B. Knowledge and attitude on maternal health care among rural-to-urban migrant women in Shanghai, China. BMC Women’s Health 2009; 9 5
Knowledge and attitude on maternal health care among rural-to-urban migrant women in Shanghai, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19298681PubMed |

[22]  Benner MT, Townsend J, Kaloi W, Htwe K, Naranichakul N, Hunnangkul S, Carrara VI, Sondorp E. Reproductive health and quality of life of young Burmese refugees in Thailand. Confl Health 2010; 4 5
Reproductive health and quality of life of young Burmese refugees in Thailand.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20338037PubMed |

[23]  He D, Cheng YM, Wu SZ, Decat P, Wang ZJ, Minkauskiene M, Moyer E. Promoting contraceptive use more effectively among unmarried male migrants in construction sites in China: a pilot intervention trial. Asia Pac J Public Health 2012; 24 806–15.
Promoting contraceptive use more effectively among unmarried male migrants in construction sites in China: a pilot intervention trial.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21527434PubMed |

[24]  He D, Zhou Y, Ji N, Wu S, Wang Z, Decat P, Moyer E, Minkauskiene M, Pang C, Cheng Y. Study on sexual and reproductive health behaviors of unmarried female migrants in China. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2012; 38 632–8.
Study on sexual and reproductive health behaviors of unmarried female migrants in China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22414381PubMed |

[25]  Qian X, Smith H, Huang W, Zhang J, Huang Y, Garner P. Promoting contraceptive use among unmarried female migrants in one factory in Shanghai: a pilot workplace intervention. BMC Health Serv Res 2007; 7 77
Promoting contraceptive use among unmarried female migrants in one factory in Shanghai: a pilot workplace intervention.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17540025PubMed |

[26]  Parwej S, Kumar R, Walia I, Aggarwal AK. Reproductive health education intervention trial. Indian J Pediatr 2005; 72 287–91.
Reproductive health education intervention trial.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15876753PubMed |

[27]  Speizer IS, Magnani RJ, Colvin CE. The effectiveness of adolescent reproductive health interventions in developing countries: a review of the evidence. J Adolesc Health 2003; 33 324–48.
The effectiveness of adolescent reproductive health interventions in developing countries: a review of the evidence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14596955PubMed |

[28]  Rao RS, Lena A, Nair NS, Kamath V, Kamath A. Effectiveness of reproductive health education among rural adolescent girls: a school based intervention study in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka. Indian J Med Sci 2008; 62 439–43.
Effectiveness of reproductive health education among rural adolescent girls: a school based intervention study in Udupi Taluk, Karnataka.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1M7ovFantQ%3D%3D&md5=10c5bf92dc43538aadda663ea5e25299CAS | 19265233PubMed |

[29]  McCoy SI, Buzdugan R, Ralph LJ, Mushavi A, Mahomva A, Hakobyan A, Watadzaushe C, Dirawo J, Cowan FM, Padian NS. Unmet need for family planning, contraceptive failure, and unintended pregnancy among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2014; 9 e105320
Unmet need for family planning, contraceptive failure, and unintended pregnancy among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women in Zimbabwe.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25144229PubMed |

[30]  Collier CH, Rosenthal M, Harris K, Lucas G, Stanwood NL. Contraceptive implant knowledge and practices of providers serving an urban, low-income community. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2014; 25 1308–16.
Contraceptive implant knowledge and practices of providers serving an urban, low-income community.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25130241PubMed |

[31]  Collier CH, Rosenthal M, Harris K, Lucas G, Stanwood NL. Contraceptive implants: pregnancies and problems with removal. Prescrire Int 2014; 23 157

[32]  Cui N, Li M, Gao E. Views of Chinese parents on the provision of contraception to unmarried youth. Reprod Health Matters 2001; 9 137–45.
Views of Chinese parents on the provision of contraception to unmarried youth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXmvVakt78%3D&md5=d7288da99c4795a8fb87f630420b6a1bCAS | 11468829PubMed |

[33]  Tu X, Cui N, Lou C, Gao E. Do family-planning workers in China support provision of sexual and reproductive health services to unmarried young people? Bull World Health Organ 2004; 82 274–80.
| 15259256PubMed |

[34]  Prakasamma M. Report on the Fourth World Conference on Women, ’95. Nurs J India. 1996; 87 4–6.
| 1:STN:280:DyaK28zmtVOnsw%3D%3D&md5=0214154170c39711ab8d2cf0eae7b8faCAS | 8715703PubMed |

[35]  Liu Z, Zhu M, Dib HH, Li Z, Shi S, Wang Z. RH knowledge and service utilization among unmarried rural-to-urban migrants in three major cities, China. BMC Public Health 2011; 11 74
RH knowledge and service utilization among unmarried rural-to-urban migrants in three major cities, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21284893PubMed |

[36]  Sheeran P, Conner M, Norman P. Can the theory of planned behavior explain patterns of health behavior change? Health Psychol 2001; 20 12–9.
Can the theory of planned behavior explain patterns of health behavior change?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M7jvFKjsg%3D%3D&md5=920daa1be89836fbe3d77c16802e96aeCAS | 11199061PubMed |