[Analysis on physical and mental health and related influential factors among those 'left behind' adolescents in Anhui province].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the physical and mental health status on the 'left behind' students in Anhui province and the related influential factors.

METHODS: Stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate the 682 out of 3421 students from 7 middle schools in both south and north Anhui province, using multidimensional sub-health questionnaire of adolescents (MSQA) and mental health test (MHT), for assessment of the general condition, physical and mental health status.

RESULTS: 14.22% of the 'left behind' students were in sub-health condition compared to 11.28% among the normal students, and the mental sub-health status represented 13.64% for the former and 10.84% for the latter. In addition, the 'left behind' students appeared less content with their life than those of staying with their parents (P < 0.05). MHT scores in the subjects were positively correlated with the scores on MSQA and showed significant difference (P < 0.01).

RESULTS: from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the mental health condition among the left behind students was in linear regression relationship with the decreased physical activity (β = 1.456, P = 0.001), emotional problems (β = 1.096, P = 0.000) and problems of social adaptation (β = 1.011, P = 0.006). The status of physical sub-health in the Anhui province showed that there was no significant difference in each of the study group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Decreased physical activity and emotion aporia as well as difficult social adaptation were major factors leading to degenerated mental health levels in the 'left-behind' adolescents. The findings suggested that the mental health status could be improved in this population through better management on their body-health condition.