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

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems related factors left-behind children in impoverished rural China (mainly first grade junior high school). Methods: A cross-sectional survey households 27 poverty-stricken counties 12 provinces across was conducted using Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: The 11.7%, that non-left-behind 8.9%. There statistical difference between two groups (P < 0.01). are no differences terms various SDQ. incidence insomnia group 58.3%, which higher than 50.9% 0.01); loneliness (62.1% vs. 51.8%, P running away from home (23.1% 18.8%, 0.01), self-injury behavior (16.8% 12.2%, Left-behind more likely to have negative psychological feelings including insomnia, loneliness, self-injury, run home. They also experienced bullying maliciously teased by peers, intentionally excluded or isolated, physically threatened intimidated. All these associated with their abnormal behavioural development. Conclusion: areas is significantly children; Logistic regression analysis showed characteristics adolescents