ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the epidemic character of injuries among rural left-behind children, so as to provide evidence for strategies and processes on preventing injuries. Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, a town was randomly selected from each of the two layers with different economic development levels in Qingxin district, Qingyuan city, Guangdong Province. The local left-behind children of 3-9 grades from 3 elementary schools and 3 middle schools were randomly selected from the local area. The student self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the occurrence of injuries, personal circumstances, family environment and school situation in the past year. Data of injury situation, personal situation, family situation and school situation during last year were analysed by Chi-square and multiple logistic analysis. Results Injuries were reported to occur in 440 left-behind children, with an injury rate of 17.5%. Significant difference of injury rate was observed between groups divided by grades, being only-child in family, health conditions, anxiety, getting along with other students, teacher’s attitude to students, emphasizing security by teachers, knowledge level about injury, and injury-relative behaviors (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression model results suggested that middle school, physical health, behavioral level, and relationship with classmates are protective factors, anxiety is a risk factor (OR=1.262,95%CI:1.009~1.577,P=0.041). Conclusions We have to take some comprehensive methods to prevent injuries that are influenced by all kinds of factors. While constructing an advantage circumstance to left-behind children, their awareness of security should also be improved to reduce the occurrence of injuries.