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Ma X, Yang N, Huang M, Zhan S, Cao H, Jiang S. Relationships between gross motor skills, psychological resilience, executive function, and emotional regulation among Chinese rural preschoolers: A moderated mediation model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e38039. [PMID: 39364252 PMCID: PMC11447319 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Emotional regulation is a critical component of emotional intelligence, particularly during the preschool stage, a key period for children's development. Previous studies have demonstrated that executive function mediates the effect of gross motor skills on emotional understanding. However, studies specifically focusing on children from rural areas and investigating the role of psychological resilience are limited. The present study fills this knowledge gap by examining the effect of gross motor skills on emotional regulation and the roles of executive function and psychological resilience among Chinese rural preschool children. Methods This study included 430 children (aged 61.01 ± 6.98 months, 48.8 % boys) and their teachers from three rural preschools in China. Children's gross motor skills, including locomotor and object control skills, were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-3. Executive function was measured using the Head-Toes-Knee-Shoulder task, and emotional regulation was assessed using the Emotional Regulation Checklist. Furthermore, psychological resilience was examined using the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment. Demographic information was collected, and the cross-sectional relationships between gross motor skills and emotional regulation were investigated through mediation and moderation analyses. Results Gross motor skills, executive function, and psychological resilience were associated with emotional regulation (p < 0.05), after controlling for sex, age, and only-child status. Executive function was found to mediate the relationship between gross motor skills and emotional regulation, with a mediation effect of 0.045. Psychological resilience moderated the relationship between executive function and emotional regulation (β = 0.078, p < 0.05). Simple slope analysis, based on categorizing psychological resilience into high, medium, and low groups, revealed that preschoolers with a higher level of psychological resilience exhibited a significantly stronger predictive effect of executive function on emotional regulation (β = 0.202, p < 0.01). Conclusions Gross motor skills significantly affect emotional regulation development in rural preschoolers, with executive function acting as a mediator in this relationship. Psychological resilience was found to moderate the effect of executive function on emotional regulation. The findings suggest that enhancing gross motor skills through physical activities can benefit children by promoting the development of executive function, which is crucial for emotional regulation. On the basis of our findings, we recommend focusing on cost-effective physical activity interventions for motor skills development among rural children while also addressing the development of executive function and psychological resilience. Future efforts should include workshops to improve physical literacy of parents and teachers regarding children's gross motor skills promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Ma
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Guangdong Teachers College of Foreign Languages and Arts, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Meixian Huang
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Guangdong Teachers College of Foreign Languages and Arts, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shuwei Zhan
- Department of Education, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Houwen Cao
- School of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Wang F, Wang Y, Liu S, Cui L, Li F, Wang X. The impact of parental migration patterns, timing, and duration on the health of rural Chinese children. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1439568. [PMID: 39206015 PMCID: PMC11349541 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1439568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Parent-child separation raises concerns for the well-being of 69 million left-behind children (LBC) in China. However, the effects of parental migration status, timing of migration, and migration duration on the health of children remain unclear. This study aims to explore the association between different parent-child separation experience and a range of health outcomes in rural Chinese children. Method A sample of 2,355 students, grades 5 to 8, from two provinces in China were recruited. Standardized self-report instruments collected data on demographics, separation status, and children's health conditions. Results Full data were available for 274 children with both parents currently migrating (BLBC), 638 children with one parent currently migrating (SLBC), 658 children with parents previously migrated (PLBC) and 785 children with non-migrating parents (NLBC). Regression model results showed that, compared to the NLBC group, BLBC and PLBC exhibited lower self-rated health (p < 0.05), higher depression (p < 0.05), and higher rates of non-suicidal self-injury behaviors (p < 0.05) and suicidal ideation (p < 0.05). Children who experienced parental separation before the age of three were at a higher risk for four health indicators. Additionally, children left behind by parents for more than 7 years had significantly worse health outcomes. Conclusion Children who have experienced both current and previous parental migration, as well as earlier parental migration age and longer migration duration, are at a disadvantage in terms of health. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions focusing on the most vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center and Center for Urban Governance Studies, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Surgical Nursing, The First People's Hospital of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Surgical Nursing, Liangzhu Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shumei Liu
- Department of Preschool Education, Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Science Laboratory for Research in Early Development and Childcare, Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center and Center for Urban Governance Studies, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feimeng Li
- Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center and Center for Urban Governance Studies, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaohe Wang
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center and Center for Urban Governance Studies, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Khanam SJ, Khan MN. Effects of parental migration on early childhood development of left-behind children in Bangladesh: Evidence from a nationally representative survey. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287828. [PMID: 38032953 PMCID: PMC10688621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bangladesh, as in other low- and middle-income countries, parents frequently migrate to other areas, often for employment opportunities, leaving their children behind with the hope that their earnings will contribute to securing a better future for them. However, the absence of parents due to migration can have negative implications for the well-being of these left-behind children. Despite the existence of studies investigating this phenomenon, the evidence thus far has produced inconclusive findings, with no specific data available from Bangladesh. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of parental migration on the early childhood development of left-behind children in Bangladesh. METHODS The present study utilized data from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2019. A sample of 8,833 children aged 3-4 years was included in the analysis. The Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) and its individual domains served as the outcome variables of interest. The primary explanatory variables considered in the analysis were father migration, mother migration, migration of both parents, and migration of either parent. To assess the association between the outcomes and explanatory variables, multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS Approximately 29% of all children in the study were not developmentally on track, as measured by the ECDI. When examining the individual domains of the ECDI, only 9% of the total children demonstrated developmental progress in the learning domain. Regarding the association between parental migration and ECDI outcomes, we observed a 26% decrease in the likelihood of overall ECDI among children with a migrated father (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.54-0.93). This decrease became even more pronounced, reaching 37% (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.48-0.97), among children with both parents migrated, compared to children with neither parent migrated. CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate that parental migration, especially when both parents are involved, has a substantial negative impact on the likelihood of achieving favourable ECDI outcomes for children in Bangladesh. To ensure the optimal development of children with migrating parents, it is crucial to strengthen early childhood development education programs and implement robust social safety nets. These efforts should specifically target the unique needs and challenges faced by children with migrated parents, providing them with the necessary support and resources for their holistic development.
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Zhu Z, Wang Y, Pan X. Health problems faced by left-behind children in low/middle-income countries. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013502. [PMID: 37597874 PMCID: PMC10441040 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenggang Zhu
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Yanpei Wang
- School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Xiaoyan Pan
- School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Tang A, Ertel KA, Keen R, Beyer L, Eckert N, Mita C, Pintro K, Okuzono SS, Yazawa A, Slopen N. Parent-child separation and cardiometabolic outcomes and risk factors in adulthood: A systematic review. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 152:106084. [PMID: 36996574 PMCID: PMC10565792 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent-child separation has been associated with negative mental health across childhood and adulthood, yet little is known about the long-term impacts for cardiovascular health. This systematic review synthesized and evaluated the quality of the literature examining the association between exposures to parent-child separation and cardiometabolic outcomes in adulthood. METHODS Following a registered protocol, online databases (Pubmed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) were searched for relevant studies. Studies were included if they (a) defined the exposure before age 18 as institutionalization, foster care placement, parental incarceration, separation due to parents migrating for economic reasons, or asylum and war; and (b) quantified the association between parent-child separation and cardiometabolic events and diagnoses (e.g., coronary heart disease, diabetes) and risk factors (e.g., body mass index, fat distribution, serum-based metabolic markers, inflammatory markers in adulthood (≥ age 18). Studies lacking an unexposed comparison group were excluded. The risk for bias in each study was assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS Of the 1938 studies identified, 13 met our inclusion criteria. Two of the four studies examining associations between parent-child separation and cardiometabolic events and diagnoses found positive associations with coronary heart disease and diabetes. Amongst the 13 studies examining associations with any type of adult cardiometabolic risk factors, eight studies reported at least one positive association. Sub-analyses considering separate reasons for parent-child separation provided clearer insights: War evacuation was associated with hypertension and high blood pressure across four studies from the same cohort; out-of home care experiences largely evidenced null results across five different studies, and two studies on parental incarceration suggested positive associations with elevated inflammation, BMI and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS The connections between parent-child separation and adult cardiometabolic outcomes and risk factors are currently inconsistent. The results may depend on the reason for separation, age of assessment, analytic differences and other psychosocial variables that are often unmeasured in this literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alva Tang
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas, USA.
| | - Karen A Ertel
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Ryan Keen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Logan Beyer
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, USA
| | | | - Carol Mita
- Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Kedie Pintro
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Sakurako S Okuzono
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA
| | - Aki Yazawa
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natalie Slopen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, USA; Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, USA
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Jiang Y, Xiao H, Yang F. Accompanying your children: Living without parents at different stages of pre-adulthood and individual physical and mental health in adulthood. Front Public Health 2023; 11:992539. [PMID: 36992894 PMCID: PMC10040656 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.992539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesThis study examined how living without parents at different stages of childhood and adolescence affects physical and mental health in adulthood.MethodsThe data came from 3,464 survey respondents aged 18–36 in the 2018 China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey. Physical health was self-rated. Mental health was measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. The ordered probit and ordinary least-squares regression analyses were employed to determine the associations between growing up without parents at different stages in pre-adulthood and individual physical and mental health in adulthood.ResultsIndividuals who did not live with their parents during their minor years were more likely to report worse physical and mental health in adulthood, compared to those who lived with their parents. This difference was heterogeneous among different age stages and genders.ConclusionsAbsence of parents in the household has long-term impacts on the physical and mental health of children in adulthood, especially for females. The government should make feasible institutional arrangements to avoid the separation of minor children from their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jiang
- Department of Demography, Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanling Xiao
- Department of Labor and Social Security, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Labor and Social Security, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Fan Yang
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Liu S, Chongsuvivatwong V, Zhang S, Thearmontree A. Pathway of Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Rural Left-behind Children to Receive Oral Health Services: A Structural Equation Modeling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1068. [PMID: 36673824 PMCID: PMC9858901 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In a rural area with a high proportion of left-behind children (LBC), we aimed to identify the pathway of influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on LBCs to receive oral health services after individualized advice. Between September and October 2020, in a rural area of Yunnan, a survey of 238 LBC and 210 non-left-behind children (NLBC) showed that 91.9% and 94.2% had primary teeth caries, respectively. Their caregivers were advised on (1) dental care: bringing the children to seek professional dental care; and (2) self-care: supervising the children's oral health behaviors. Two to three months later, the children and their caregivers were visited to assess the compliance with these items of advice. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to handle the association between SES and compliance with the advice. A heatmap was used to visualize the data of reasons for seeking dental care or not. A total of 183 (87.1%) NLBCs and 206 (86.6%) LBCs were given the above advice; 32.9% of caregivers complied with dental care advice without a statistical difference between the LBC and NLBC group; 69.9% of caregivers of NLBCs complied with self-care advice, statistically more than those LBCs (59.2%). The education of caregivers was significantly associated with compliance with both advice items in univariate analysis. SES had a direct effect on the children being left behind and the level of oral health knowledge and awareness of the caregivers. Being left behind did not have an independent effect on receiving oral health services for children. "Dental disease was not severe" and "having no pain" were the main reasons for not seeking dental care. There was no clear grouping of participants with different background information based on the reasons given for seeking or not seeking dental care. Our study pointed to the importance of SES level. Being left behind alone may not be a risk factor for missing oral health services among rural children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Liu
- Improvement of Oral Health Care Research Unit, Community Dentistry Division, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Department of Dental Public Health, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | | | - Shinan Zhang
- Department of Dental Public Health, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Angkana Thearmontree
- Improvement of Oral Health Care Research Unit, Community Dentistry Division, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
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Tao H, Zeng X, Hou M, Chen S, Shen J, Liao X, Zou C. Association of adverse childhood experiences and depression among medical students: the role of family functioning and insomnia. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1134631. [PMID: 37205075 PMCID: PMC10185847 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1134631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have explored the mechanisms linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to depression in medical students. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ACEs and depression through the serial mediation effect of family functioning and insomnia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 368 medical students from university in Chengdu in 2021. The participants were asked to complete four self-report questionnaires, including ACEs scale, the family APGAR index, the ISI and PHQ-9. Singe and serial mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling by Mplus 8.3. Results ACEs had a significant direct effect on depression (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) and through three significantly indirect pathways: (1) through family functioning (β = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.007-0.060), accounting for 5.9% of the total effect; (2) through insomnia (β = 0.103, 95% CI: 0.011-0.187), accounting for 23.5% of the total effect; and (3) through the serial mediators involving in family functioning and insomnia (β = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.015-0.078), accounting for 8.7% of the total effect. The total indirect effect was 38.1%. Limitations This cross-sectional study prevented us from establishing causality. Conclusion This study highlights the role of family functioning and insomnia as serial mediators of the relationship between ACEs and depression. Findings help to elucidate the mechanism that underlines the pathway between ACEs and depression in medical students. These findings may indicate developing measures to strengthen family functioning and improve insomnia aiming to reduce depression in medical students with ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Tao
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Mutian Hou
- Psychological Research and Counseling Center, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanping Chen
- The Department of Geriatric Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Shen
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Liao
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyang Liao, ; Chuan Zou,
| | - Chuan Zou
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyang Liao, ; Chuan Zou,
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Antia K, Rodoreda AB, Winkler V. Parental migration and left-behind children in Georgia - school teachers' experience and perception: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2077. [PMID: 36376822 PMCID: PMC9664785 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Georgia, like other Eastern European countries, showed a dramatic increase of international labour emigration after becoming independent in 1991. The collapse of the Soviet Union caused economic instability, unemployment and poverty resulting in labour migration. Since then, thousands of children have been left behind in the care of extended family members while their parents work abroad. The aim of this study is to explore schoolteachers' perceptions on parental migration and left-behind children (LBC) in Georgia as schoolteachers are the main contact persons for LBC and their caregivers. METHODS: We conducted six focus-group discussions with public school teachers, namely class-tutors and six in-depth interviews with school principals from two migrant sending regions. We applied reflexive thematic analysis to systematically analyse the data and identify main and sub-themes. The contextual model of family stress underpins this study. RESULTS We identified the following themes expressed by both, teachers, and school principals: social and economic impact of migrant labour and relationships between schools and migrant families. School teachers and principals acknowledged some positive aspects of migrant labour, but primarily perceived parental migration as a negative experience for children leading to problems in mental health, well-being, and academic performance. Structural factors, lack of support and lack of community involvement were expressed to further worsen the situation. Teachers saw themselves as one of the main supporters for LBC while they described the role of caregivers ranging from caring to unhelpful or even destructive. School principals stated mitigating the situation by regular meetings with class tutors, extra-tutoring for LBC, psychological counselling, and developing/enacting internal guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that LBCs and transnational families could benefit from the provision of psychological services at schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatia Antia
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Astrid Berner Rodoreda
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Winkler
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Akezhuoli H, Lu J, Zhao G, Xu J, Wang M, Wang F, Li L, Zhou X. Mother's and Father's Migrating in China: Differing Relations to Mental Health and Risk Behaviors Among Left-Behind Children. Front Public Health 2022; 10:894741. [PMID: 35719620 PMCID: PMC9203828 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.894741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIn China, the figure for left-behind children (LBC) of migrants stood at 68. 77 million in 2015. Despite being seen as a whole in the last few decades, LBC today differ broadly in parental migrating status. This study focused on LBC with both parents migrating (BLBC), LBC with only mothers migrating (MLBC), LBC with only fathers migrating (FLBC), and previous LBC with one or both parents migrating (PLBC), separately. We aimed at exploring the extent to which LBC were being affected by each migrant parent on both mental health and risk behaviors.MethodsData from 4,832 children were collected by a school-based survey in both rural and urban areas of China's Anhui province. Each participant anonymously completed a self-administered questionnaire containing the sociodemographics, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the items from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), and Young's Internet Addiction Test for Chinese (YIAT-C). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Chi-squared test. Associations were estimated by multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses adjusted for several confounders.ResultsThe results suggested that BLBC (p < 0.001), MLBC (p < 0.05), FLBC (p < 0.01), and PLBC (p < 0.001) significantly scored higher for total difficulties along with emotional symptoms and conduct problems than never left-behind children (NLBC). Besides, BLBC, FLBC, and PLBC further reported a significantly higher rate of smoking (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively) and drinking (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively) than did NLBC. Also, MLBC appeared higher risks of smoking problems [OR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.45–3.69), p < 0.001] and the internet addiction [OR = 2.15, 95% CI (1.24–3.72), p < 0.01], when compared to NLBC.ConclusionsThe findings provided insight into LBC within the different contexts of parental migrations and contributed to a better understanding of their specific and potentially persistent health risks. Correspondingly, the study highlighted the implications for differentiating LBC to capture the more vulnerable group and tailored interventions to prioritize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailati Akezhuoli
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Lu
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guanlan Zhao
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiayao Xu
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Menmen Wang
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Wang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Wang ;
| | - Lu Li
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
- Lu Li ;
| | - Xudong Zhou
- Institute of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Hou T, Mao X, Shao X, Liu F, Dong W, Cai W. Suicidality and Its Associated Factors Among Students in Rural China During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study of Left-Behind and Non-Left-Behind Children. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:708305. [PMID: 34413801 PMCID: PMC8368983 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.708305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide. The harmful impact of COVID-19 is beyond just physical health concern. The unprecedented public health crisis has also taken its toll on the mental health of adolescents. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts and investigate the similarities and differences in the influential factors for suicidal ideation and attempts among left-behind children (LBC) and non-left-behind children (NLBC) in rural China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A total of 761 rural Chinese students, of whom 468 were left behind, completed the cross-sectional questionnaires including demographic data, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, suicidal ideation, and suicidal attempts. Chi-square test, independent-sample t-test, and logistic regression were performed in the statistical analysis. Results: Overall, 36.4 and 10.4% of rural Chinese students reported suicidal ideation (37.8% for LBC vs. 34.1% for NLBC) and attempts (11.3% for LBC vs. 8.9% for NLBC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among LBC, parental educational level (adjusted odds ratio, Adj. OR = 1.60), maladaptive strategies (Adj. OR = 1.04), anxious symptoms (Adj. OR = 2.61), and depressive symptoms (Adj. OR = 3.85) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation, while age (Adj. OR = 0.56), maladaptive strategies (Adj. OR = 1.08), symptoms of anxiety (Adj. OR = 3.85), and symptoms of depression (Adj. OR = 2.68) were significantly related to suicidal attempts during the COVID-19 outbreak. Among NLBC, gender (Adj. OR = 2.20), parental educational level (Adj. OR = 1.77), perceived family economic status (Adj. OR = 0.39), anxious symptoms (Adj. OR = 2.38), and depressive symptoms (Adj. OR = 2.77) were significantly associated with suicidal ideation, whereas only anxious symptom (Adj. OR = 5.85) was significantly related to suicidal attempts. Conclusion: Suicidal ideation and attempts are prevalent among students in rural China during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our findings also revealed the shared and unique factors for suicidal ideation and attempts among LBC and NLBC during the COVID-19 epidemic. With regard to the differences between LBC and NLBC, the use of maladaptive strategies and age might be vital factors for suicide prevention measures directed specifically toward LBC, whereas interventions sensitive to gender and perceived social economic status should be specifically designed for NLBC amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianya Hou
- Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Mao
- Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqin Shao
- Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fen Liu
- The Second Primary School, Shaoyang, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Psychology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenpeng Cai
- Faculty of Psychology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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