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
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 14:23 authored by Nan Zhang, Laia Becares, Tarani ChandolaObjective 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 NutritionISSN
1368-9800Publisher
Cambridge University PressExternal DOI
Issue
11Volume
19Page range
1913-1927Department affiliated with
- Social Work and Social Care Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-08-07First Open Access (FOA) Date
2018-08-07First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-08-07Usage metrics
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