Association Between Temporary Employment and Gradient Health Outcomes Among Chinese Workers

Abstract

Temporary workers’ health problems in China have raised concerns recently. This study aimed to assess the relationship between temporary employment and three health outcomes with gradient severity and explore mediating mechanisms. Data came from a national cross-sectional survey (China General Social Survey 2018). Compared with regular workers, temporary workers reported more frequent mood disorders (β = 0.197; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.093, 0.302]) and disturbance of daily activities (β = 0.132; 95% CI = [0.028, 0.237]), but no more inpatient treatment. Income poverty, subjective social status, and family relative socioeconomic status were significant mediators. The results suggest that temporary workers have higher general health risks, and economic deprivation is the main mechanism. Therefore, Chinese policymakers should provide more inclusive preventive health services beyond the existing health care system focused on critical illness to reduce the general health risks of grassroots workers.