Behavioral problems among preschool children of migrant workers in Fujian Province

Objective To understand behavioral problems among preschool children of migrant workers from 4 cities in Fujian Province.Methods Questionnaire survey was implemented among 456 preschool children of migrant workers from 4 cities in Fujian.Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) parent edition was used to assess behavioral problems.Statistical analysis included t-test,x2 test and regression analysis.Results The prevalence of behavioral problems was significantly higher in preschool children of migrant workers (22.6%) than in that of control children (15.7%) (x2=41.943,P<0.05).Inattention-hyperactivity behaviors and prosocial behaviors were lower in migrant workers more than that in control group(P<0.05).Behavioral problems were more common in boys and children aged 5-6 years old from migrant worker families.Parent-child relation,parenting attitude,discipline from father and household monthly average income predict children's behavior problems(P<0.05).Conclusion Behavioral problems among preschool children of migrant workers should not be neglected.Family parenting closely relates with children's behavioral problems.Results suggest education intervention aiming at parenting attitude improvement,optimizing the management and education concept of private kindergarten could play an important role in child behavioral problem prevention among migrant worker family.