Health inequality of rural-to-urban migrant workers in eastern China and its decomposition: a comparative cross-sectional study

Objectives As a specific group with high health inequality, it is crucial to improve the health status and health inequalities of rural-to-urban migrant workers. This study aimed to evaluate the health inequality of migrant and urban workers in China and decompose it.Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out, using a standardized questionnaire to obtain basic information, self-rated health to evaluate health status, concentration index to measure health inequalities, and WDW decomposition to analyze the causes of health inequalities.Results The concentration index of health for migrants was 0.021 and 0.009 for urban workers. The main factors contributing to health inequality among rural-to-urban migrant workers included income, exercise, and age. In contrast, the main factors of health inequality among urban workers included income, the number of chronic diseases, social support, and education.Conclusion There were health inequalities in both rural-to-urban migrant and urban workers. The government and relevant authorities should formulate timely policies and take targeted measures to reduce income disparities among workers, thereby improving health inequality.