Promoting contraceptive use among female rural-to-urban migrants in Qingdao, China: a comparative impact study of worksite based interventions

Abstract

Background We conducted a comparative study in worksites to assess the impact of sexual health promoting interventions on contraceptive use among female rural-to-urban migrants. Study design In Qingdao ten manufacturing worksites were randomly allocated to a standard package of interventions (SPI) and an intensive package of interventions (IPI). The interventions ran from July 2008 to January 2009. Cross-sectional surveys at baseline and end line assessed the sexual behaviour of young female migrants. To evaluate the impact of the interventions we assessed pre- and post time trends. Results From the SPI group 721 (baseline) and 615 (end line) respondents were considered. Out of the IPI group we included 684 and 603 migrants. Among childless migrants, self-reported contraceptive use increased significantly after SPI and IPI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]= 3.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.52-6.84; p<0.01 and aOR=5.81; 95% CI=2.63-12.80; p<0.001, respectively). Childless migrants older than 22 years reported a greater use after IPI than after SPI. Conclusion Implementing current Chinese sexual health promotion programmes at worksites is likely to have a positive impact on migrant women working in the manufacturing industry of Qingdao. More comprehensive interventions seem to have an added value if they are well targeted to specific groups.