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The factors associated with being left-behind children in China: Multilevel analysis with nationally representative data

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  • Lian Tong
  • Qiong Yan
  • Ichiro Kawachi

Abstract

There are 69.7 million left-behind children (LBC) in China. Using nationally representative monitoring data for migrant workers aged 15 to 59 years in China, this study sought to estimate the prevalence of LBC in each province, and to examine risk factors being left behind at both the individual and provincial level. Data on a total of 117,573 children less than 18 years of age were included in the multilevel analysis. At individual and family level, children’s gender, age, family income, migration distance, parental separation, and housing condition in host cities were associated with being LBC. The average household monthly income in the host province was significantly associated with the migrant parents’ arrangement to leave their children behind. Comprehensive supportive policies and strategies on schooling, housing for the migrant family in host cities might be beneficial to reduce the number of LBC in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Lian Tong & Qiong Yan & Ichiro Kawachi, 2019. "The factors associated with being left-behind children in China: Multilevel analysis with nationally representative data," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(11), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0224205
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224205
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Huan Wang & Cody Abbey & Xinshu She & Scott Rozelle & Xiaochen Ma, 2021. "Association of Child Mental Health with Child and Family Characteristics in Rural China: A Cross-Sectional Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Robert Walker & Jane Millar, 2020. "Left Behind? The Status of Women in Contemporary China," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(2), pages 1-9.
    3. Yang, Ning & Qi, Yanan & Lu, Jinjin & Hu, Jiangbo & Ren, Yonggang, 2021. "Teacher-child relationships, self-concept, resilience, and social withdrawal among Chinese left-behind children: A moderated mediation model," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    4. Wangqian Fu & Rui Xue & Hongqin Chai & Wenxiang Sun & Fangrui Jiang, 2023. "What Matters on Rural Left-Behind Children’s Problem Behavior: Family Socioeconomic Status or Perceived Discrimination," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-11, January.
    5. Egger, Peter H. & Loumeau, Gabriel & Loumeau, Nicole, 2023. "China's dazzling transport-infrastructure growth: Measurement and effects," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(C).
    6. Xinxin Wang & Shidan Xu & Yubo Zhuo & Julian Chun-Chung Chow, 2023. "Higher Income but Lower Happiness with Left-Behind Experience? A Study of Long-Term Effects for China’s Migrants," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 18(1), pages 411-434, February.
    7. Minmin Jiang & Lu Li & Wei Xing Zhu & Therese Hesketh, 2020. "Community-Based Intervention to Improve the Well-Being of Children Left Behind by Migrant Parents in Rural China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-11, October.
    8. Zhou, Yueyue & Cheng, Yulan & Liang, Yiming & Wang, Jiazhou & Li, Changning & Du, Weijing & Liu, Yufang & Liu, Zhengkui, 2020. "Interaction status, victimization and emotional distress of left-behind children: A national survey in China," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).

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