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Correlates of psychological wellbeing of children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China

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Abstract

Background

It is estimated that approximately 20 million migrant school-aged children have accompanied their parents in relocating to cities in China. However, little research on the lives of these children has been conducted. The purpose of the present study is to identify the risk factors associated with the psychological wellbeing of children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China.

Methods

A total of 625 children of migrant workers were recruited from ten primary and secondary schools in Shanghai through a survey design using the multistage cluster sampling method. Children of migrant workers were identified as mentally healthy or unhealthy using The revised child anxiety and depression scale. Socio-demographic characteristics, parent–child relationship, peer relationship and relationships in schools were explored as correlates of the psychological wellbeing of children of migrant workers.

Results

Compared to overseas studies, children of migrant workers suffered from symptoms of separation anxiety, depression and generalized anxiety disorder. They were male (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 0.99–3.60), older in age (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.99–1.40), experiencing parent–child conflicts (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.28–2.89), discipline from teacher (OR = 2.29, 95% CI 1.26–4.16) and discrimination in school (OR = 4.53, 95% CI 1.11–18.48).

Conclusion

The findings provide information for the prevention of mental ill-health among children of migrant workers in China. The implications and limitations are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing and Social Work, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

    Fu Keung Daniel Wong

  2. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Ying Li Chang

  3. East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China

    Xue Song He

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  2. Ying Li Chang
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Correspondence to Fu Keung Daniel Wong.

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Wong, F.K.D., Chang, Y.L. & He, X.S. Correlates of psychological wellbeing of children of migrant workers in Shanghai, China. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 44, 815–824 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0003-y

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