Publication

This paper examines the adequacy, quality and relevance of research conducted between 1985 and 2010 on the health of rural-urban migrants in China. It finds that despite a substantial increase in volume, this research has provided limited material to inform current policies and programs. Most studies are descriptive and disproportionately focused on a handful of communicable diseases, neglecting some of the pressing policy-relevant issues. The authors contend that, increasing the rigor and relevance of future research requires better sampling frames with comparison populations; a focus on neglected research topics, including access to services; and partnerships with government and other agencies to evaluate specific interventions.