Mental health and risk behaviors of children in rural China with different patterns of parental migration: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundOne in seven members of China’s population are migrants. There are an estimated 41 million children left behind in rural areas who are living without one or both of their parents. The impact of two- and single-parent migration on child mental health and risk behaviors is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the mental health and risk behaviors among children whose parents are either both migrating (B-LBC), have one parent migrating (O-LBC) or those whose parents do not migrate (N-LBC).MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire conducted in rural areas with high proportions of left behind children (LBC) in Anhui Province, southeast China. The tools used were the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires, Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Young’s Internet Addiction Test for Chinese.ResultsFull data were available for 699 B-LBC, 552 O-LBC and 741 N-LBC. After adjusting for gender, age, grade, number of siblings and self-rated socio-economic status, B-LBC were significantly more likely to have higher emotional symptoms scores (B(SE) = 0.36(0.11), p < 0.01), higher hyperactivity scores (B(SE) = 0.22(0.11), p < 0.01) and higher total difficulties scores (B(SE) = 0.79(0.29), p < 0.01) than N-LBC. B-LBC were also more likely to be an addicted internet user (OR(95%CI) = 1.91(1.33, 2.76), p < 0.01) compared to N-LBC. However, there were no identified differences between O-LBC and N-LBC or between O-LBC and B-LBC in any measures.ConclusionsOur findings found that living with one parent or both parents was associated with better mental health and fewer risk behaviors than was being separated from both parents. Future research is needed to consider the implications of these findings for policies and programs to protect LBC, especially for those with two migrating parents.

Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Left-Behind Children in Impoverished Rural China: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study of First Grade Junior High School

“…Most of the selected children in these previous studies were concentrated in only one city or in several cities in one province, such as Chongqing, Hunan, Sichuan and other places [11]. In addition, the standards and the results of previous research on depression, anxiety, or personality traits of the LBC were inconsistent [12,13]. To fill in the research gaps, the proposed study aimed to conduct a national study using an international standardized measure to explore the emotional and behavioral problems and related risks factors for the LBC using resilience framework.…”

Self-esteem, Social Support and Coping Strategies of left-behind Children in Rural China, and the Intermediary Role of Subjective Support：a cross-sectional survey

“…According to previous studies in China and abroad, children who are left behind encounter a range of problems. LBC tend to display more emotional, behavioral, and learning problems, such as depression, nonsuicidal self-injury, and game addiction (8)(9)(10).…”

The association of parent-child communication with Internet addiction in left-behind children in China

“…As estimated, in 2018, the number of LBC has reached 69 million [4]. Previous studies found that parental absence would put children at risk for mental health disorders and problem behaviors [5,6]. A meta-analysis [7]demonstrated that LBC were more likely to develop depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, conduct disorders and substance use.…”