FACTORS INFLUENCING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH LITERACY OF WORKERS IN NEW FORMS OF EMPLOYMENT, GANSU PROVINCE, PR CHINA

Abstract

The study examined factors, which affected occupational health literacy and hampered improvement among workers in new employment models, focusing on Gansu Province, China.  As the gig economy and flexible work arrangements, such as freelancing, part-time and remote work, expand, workers in these sectors face unique health risks.  Yet, they often lack sufficient legal protection and health support, making them even more vulnerable to occupational hazards than those in the traditional work sector.  This research assessed current levels of occupational health literacy, identified key influencing factors and suggested practical strategies for improvement.  A survey was conducted of workers (n = 511) from 14 cities in Gansu Province using a structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews.  The results showed that while these workers have moderate health literacy, significant differences were found based on age, education and employment type.  Older workers and those with higher education tended to have better occupational health literacy, while gig and self-employed workers generally had lower literacy levels.  Barriers to improving workplace health literacy include time constraints, limited access to relevant information and lack of training opportunities.  The study highlighted the need for focused occupational health education programs, improved workplace conditions and more substantial institutional support to boost occupational health literacy.  These findings should provide valuable data for the improvement of policies aimed at local governments, businesses and organizations interested in improving the health and well-being of workers, particularly in less developed regions like Gansu Province.