ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the willingness of care and related influencing factors among caregivers of those 'left at hometown' children under 7 years in Chinese rural areas.Methods Questionnaires were used to survey caregivers (n=7585) who were identified by multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. Multi-factor ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors on the willingness of care among them. Results The percentage on 3.5% respectively in the group with single parent while 19.5%, 71.4% and 9.1% respectively in the group of both parents having left home. Data from the multi-factor ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that factors including the age of the caregiver, annual per capita income for caregivers'families, social connections and the length of children' s mother being absent, amount of fees for living provided by parent/parents, and the child' s age and lifestyle, being the only child or not, and the age of the child when the parent/parents left the residence etc, were related to the willingness of care of the givers. Conclusion Willingness of care calls for attention and urgent improvement.Influencing factors and measures need to be taken when necessary.
ABSTRACT
Objective To understand emotional, behavioral problems and related determinants among rural stranded children and to provide evidence for further psychological support. Methods A total of 3944 caregivers of children in the rural areas and aged 4 to 7 years but without parents around, were randomly selected. Data were collected through Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (the edition for parents, SDQ). Results The overall prevalence of children with behavioral/emotional problems was 43.6% among those stranded children including 8.3% having experienced emotional symptoms, 9.5% reported to be displaying 'conduct' problems, 8.7% exhibited significant hyperactivity/inattention, 18.9% experienced peer relationship problems and 16.8% having prosocial behaviors. The prevalence of behavioral/emotional problems was significantly higher in boys than those in girls and in lower age groups. Significant differences were also found in conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention and prosocial behaviors (P<0.01). The result from logistic regression analysis showed that factors as education level and motivation of the caregivers as well as financial support from the parents were related to emotional/ behavioral problems among the stranded children. Conclusion The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems was high among children living the rural areas but without their parents around which should call for psychological intervention.