Characteristics of and risk factors associated with self-reported sexual repression among internal migrants in China: A large-scale cross-sectional study

Objective: This large-scale cross-sectional study aims to identify the characteristics of and risk factors associated with sexual repression among internal migrants in China. Methods: Between August 2013 and August 2015, a total of 8,669 internal migrants from four major cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Chongqing) voluntarily participated in our study. They were interviewed, and the data on their demographic information, occupation, and sexual activities were collected. The Chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to identify significant associations. A stepwise method was adopted for the selection of variables. Results: There were 3,597 (41.49%) males and 5,072 (58.51%) females in total. A higher percentage of males reported that they felt sexual repression compared to females (14.43% vs. 9.21%). After adjusting for other covariates, the consequence was showed that male migrants working for more than 5 days were more likely to report sexual repression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, P < 0.05). Living in a collective dormitory with others was also a risk factor for male migrants. The longer males spent with their partners, the less sexual repression occurred (OR= 0.94, P < 0.05). Similarly, agricultural household registration status and working for more than 5 days increased the risk for sexual repression among female migrants (OR= 1.41 and OR = 1.46, respectively, P < 0.05). Frequent and constructive communication also protected females against sexual repression (P < 0.05). Well-educated females experienced relatively less sexual repression when compared to their counterparts with less education (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Sexual repression was significantly associated with a few demographic, occupational, and sexual risk factors. Meaningful differences have been identified between male and female migrants. More effective intervention programs such as safeguard measures and welfare policies should be designed and implemented for a majority of female migrants and for those with agricultural household registration status.