Health Status of Left-Behind Children and Parenting Behaviors of Caregivers in Poor Rural Areas-6 Provinces,China,2018

What is already known about this topic?China has a significant population of left-behind children,and their health and living environments remain a major public health challenge.Children under 6 years old are especially vulnerable to poor health knowledge and behaviors of their caregivers.What is added by this report?The prevalence of stunting,being underweight,and often sick were 13%,3.4%,and 5%,respectively.Only 53.9%of left-behind children could eat meat often,and 59.5%could control their intake of sugary drinks.The proportions of children who had a safe home environment,a safe play environment,and no family violence were 22.5%,75.3%,and 45.9%,respectively.The percentages of caregivers who ensured that they rarely left their children alone and were always in their sight are 76.1%and 92.4%,respectively.What are the implications for public health practice?The implementation of early home visits is necessary to improve the physical health and safety of the living environment of left-behind children.Primary health workers should pay attention to improving the health knowledge and behaviors of caregivers.