Status of neglect among urban primary and secondary school students in western China

ObjectiveTo examine the status of neglect among urban primary and secondary school students in the western China,and to provide scientific evidence for effective intervention.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with multistage stratified cluster sampling method in some areas of Shannxi province and Chongqing city.ResultsTotally 1 604 subjects aged from 6 to 17 years were recruited.Total prevalence of neglect in the students was 30.30% and the total neglect score was 45.27±8.71;the prevalence of neglect in the boys and girls were 34.88% and 25.23%,respectively (χ²=17.62,P<0.001),and the neglect score for the boys and girls were 46.50±8.79 and 43.92±8.42(u=5.99, P<0.001).The prevalence of neglect among the students aged 6-8,9-11,and 12-17 years were 30.69%,28.74%,and 31.71%,respectively(χ²=1.41,P>0.05),with the neglect scores of 43.34±6.86,42.90±8.42,and 48.49±8.69, respectively(F=84.49,P<0.001).The neglect score in the students aged 12-17 years was the highest.The prevalence and neglect score of the students in three generations families were the lowest but those of the students in single-parent families were the lowest.The neglect prevalence and score for the students in one child families were significantly lower than in non-one child families.ConclusionThe status of neglect in urban primary and secondary school students was serious in the western China and publicity and education on the problem should be strengthened.