University of Sussex
Browse
multilevel_analysis_of_the_relationship_between_parental_migration_and_leftbehind_childrens_macronutrient_intakes_in_rural_china.pdf (764.09 kB)

A multilevel analysis of the relationship between parental migration and left-behind children’s macronutrient intakes in rural China

Download (764.09 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 14:23 authored by Nan Zhang, Laia Becares, Tarani Chandola
Objective China’s internal migration has left 61 million children living apart from their parent(s) in rural areas. The present study aimed to examine whether the relative contributions of macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate) to total energy intake differ between children left behind by the father or mother, compared with children from intact families. Design Drawing on a longitudinal study, the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2009), multilevel modelling analyses (level 1: occasions; level 2: children; level 3: villages) were performed. Setting Data from rural communities in nine provinces in China. Subjects Rural children (n 975; 555 boys and 420 girls) from 140 villages. Results Among boys of school age, being left behind by the father tended to reduce the relative protein intake by 0·70 % (P<0·01) compared with boys from intact families. Being left behind by at least the mother was more detrimental for young boys under the age of 6 years than paternal migration, reducing relative protein intake by 1·14 % (P<0·05). Parental migration was associated with a significant increase in young boys’ relative fat intake by 2·60 % (P<0·05). No significant associations were found for girls. Results suggest left-behind boys, especially in early life, are subject to a higher-fat and lower-protein diet compared with non-left-behind boys. This may put them at increased risk of being overweight or obese, or of suffering from stunted growth, when they grow up. Conclusions Public health policies should recognise the influences of parental migration on boys, especially maternal migration, and encourage a more balanced diet for children in rural China.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Public Health Nutrition

ISSN

1368-9800

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Issue

11

Volume

19

Page range

1913-1927

Department affiliated with

  • Social Work and Social Care Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2018-08-07

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2018-08-07

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2018-08-07

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC