Childhood health in China was poor in the 1950s and 1960s because of limited nutrition. In the last three decades, China has distinguished itself through its tremendous economic growth and improvements in health and nutrition. However, prior to such growth, access to good nutrition was more variable, with potentially important implications, not only for childhood health, but also for adult health, because of its long-term effects lasting into adulthood. To shed light on these issues, this study examined the long-run association between childhood health and adult health outcomes among a middle-aged Chinese population and addresses the endogeneity of childhood health. A nationwide database from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was employed. Three adult health outcomes variables were used: self-reported health status, cognition, and physical function. The local variation in grain production in the subjects’ fetal period and the first 24 months following birth was employed as an instrument for childhood health in order to correct for its endogeneity. Childhood health recalled by the respondents was positively and significantly associated with their adult health outcomes in terms of self-reported health status, cognition, and physical function in single-equation estimates that did not correct for the endogeneity of childhood health. A good childhood health status increased the probabilities of good adult health, good adult cognitive function, and good adult physical function by 16% (95% CI: 13–18%), 13% (95% CI: 10–15%), and 14% (95% CI: 12–17%), respectively. After correcting for endogeneity, the estimated effects of good childhood health were consistent but stronger. We also studied the male and female populations separately, finding that the positive effects of childhood health on adult health were larger for males. In China, childhood health significantly affects adult health. This suggests that early interventions to promote childhood health will have long-term benefits in China and that health-care policies should consider their long-term impacts over the life cycle in addition to their effects on specific age groups.

Immunization is the most cost-effective method to prevent and control vaccine-preventable diseases. Migrant population in China has been rising rapidly, and their immunization status is poor. China has tried various strategies to strengthen its health system, which has significantly improved immunization for migrants. This study applied a qualitative retrospective review method aiming to collect, analyze and synthesize health system strengthening experiences and practices about improving immunizations for migrants in China. A conceptual framework of Theory of Change was used to extract the searched literatures. 11 searched literatures and 4 national laws and policies related to immunizations for migrant children were carefully studied. China mainly employed 3 health system strengthening strategies to significantly improve immunization for migrant population: stop charging immunization fees or immunization insurance, manage immunization certificates well, and pay extra attentions on immunization for special children including migrant children. These health system strengthening strategies were very effective, and searched literatures show that up-to-date and age-appropriate immunization rates were significantly improved for migrant children. Economic development led to higher migrant population in China, but immunization for migrants, particularly migrant children, were poor. Fortunately various health system strengthening strategies were employed to improve immunization for migrants in China and they were rather successful. The experiences and lessons of immunization for migrant population in China might be helpful for other developing countries with a large number of migrant population.

Background/Objectives: Obesity has become a global public health crisis, with China now ranking among the countries with the highest number of obese adults. Urban China faces a growing burden of obesity, but little is known about how obesity prevalence differs by occupation. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 2022 among urban adults in northern and southern China, and to examine disparities across occupational groups. Methods: This study utilized cross-sectional data from 2022 health examinations to calculate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in different occupations in cities of southern and northern China. A logistic regression model was applied to analyze association between occupational categories and obesity, controlling for confounding factors like age, gender and region. Results: A total of 1,427,978 participants in 2022 were included. The aggregate prevalence of overweight and obesity was 30.78% and 7.90%, respectively. After being adjusted by logistic regression, the study showed that the highest adjusted odds ratio of overweight was observed in the Real Estate Industry sector with AOR 1.17 (1.15, 1.19), while the lowest odds ratio occurred in the Mining Industry sector, which was 0.90 (0.80, 1.01). The highest adjusted odds ratio of the prevalence of obesity was associated with the Production and Supply of Electricity, Heat, Gas, and Water sector (AOR: 1.92 (1.78, 2.07)), whereas the lowest odds ratio was observed in the Scientific Research and Technical Services sector. After categorizing occupations into four broad groups, the Blue-Collar group had the highest adjusted odds ratio of the prevalence of overweight (AOR: 1.07 (1.06, 1.08)), whereas the Sales/Office group exhibited the highest odds ratio of the prevalence of obesity (AOR: 1.37 (1.35, 1.39)). Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight and obesity differed substantially across occupational groups especially for obesity. More detailed and occupation-specific BMI management policies should be released to reduce obesity-related health inequalities in urban China.