[Study on emotional, behavioral problems and related determinants among stranded children aged 4 to 7 years in the rural areas of China].
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Zeng
Rong
R
Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Zhang
Ling-Li
LL
Luo
Jia-You
JY
Gong
Wen-Jie
WJ
Du
Qi-Yun
QY
Wu
Hong
H
D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002670:Child, Abandoned / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D015995:Prevalence; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires