AB126. Understanding students’ navigation of health spaces in three Chinese cities: a qualitative and network survey study

Background: Migration is one of the defining issues of our time. Politics, violence, restrictive definitions of citizenship, the rise of ethno-nationalist states, and climate change have driven large-scale population movements. While much attention is given to migration from developing to developed countries, the reality is more complex—most global migration is regional or occurs between developing countries. China, for example, has become an increasingly important destination for migrants, including a growing number of African student migrants. In 2018, there were 492,185 African students in China, and this number is projected to rise significantly. Like other migrants, African students face considerable challenges in accessing health care. Research has shown that student migrants encounter barriers related to affordability, accessibility, language, miscommunication, and stigma. In 2024, we launched a study to examine the specific challenges faced by Tanzanian students in accessing health care in three Chinese cities.

Methods: Sixty in-depth interviews and a network survey were conducted. Using the concept of patient navigation, the study examines how students locate and access health services, as well as the role of social networks in this process.

Results: Preliminary findings from qualitative interviews suggest that Tanzanian students perceive the quality of health services as average. They report bureaucratic and language-related barriers, inadequate insurance coverage, and experiences of discrimination.

Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of health-seeking behavior and highlights the critical role of social networks in accessing care among a growing segment of African student migrants in China.

Keywords: China; migration; networks; students; Tanzania