Research On The Factors Influencing The Health Inequality Of Left-behind Children In Rural Areas

The large-scale population movement and the rising cost of childcare bring about the “caring crisis” of rural left-behind children,which further aggravates the health difference of rural left-behind children.In 2016,the ministry of civil affairs identified9.02 million rural left-behind children for the first time,of which 8.05 million were in the care of other generations.Under the strategic background of “healthy China”,this paper uses the micro-data of CFPS2016 to discuss two questions: first,the status of health inequality of rural left-behind children in China,the extent of health inequality,and the differences of health inequality among rural left-behind children in different regions and age groups;Second,whether social and economic factors such as access to medical services,parental migration,income deprivation,intergenerational care and so on have positive or negative effects on the health inequality of left-behind children in rural areas,to what extent,and whether the effects are significant?On the basis of combing the health demand theory and social causation theory,this paper puts forward the research hypothesis between the social and economic factors such as medical service accessibility,parental migration,income deprivation,intergenerational rearing and the health inequality of rural left-behind children.In addition,the health indicators of rural left-behind children in CFPS2016 was calculated with the concentration index,and the contribution of various socio-economic variables to health inequality was decomposed through the RIF-I-OLS model to test the research hypothesis.Finally,based on the research conclusions,the author puts forward some policy suggestions to alleviate the health inequality of left-behind children in rural areas.The main conclusions of this paper are as follows: first,left-behind children in rural areas in China have a phenomenon of health inequality that is pro-rich.Second,the accessibility of medical services has a significant negative effect on the health inequality of left-behind children in rural areas,especially in western China.Thirdly,income deprivation has a significant positive effect on the health inequality of leftbehind children in rural areas,especially in the eastern region.Fourth,parental migration and intergenerational rearing have a significant impact in the opposite direction on the health inequality of left-behind children in rural areas,with a significant impact in the western region.Fifth,left-behind children in rural areas have health inequality caused by gender、education level and health endowment.In view of the above conclusions,this paper puts forward the following policy Suggestions: first,further improve the accessibility of medical services and strengthen the investment in the accessibility of medical services in western China;Second,we should improve the income distribution system and narrow the relative income gap of rural residents.Third,further implement the strategy of rural revitalization and develop rural economy according to local conditions.Fourth,improve the health support system for left-behind children in rural areas,improve the health service system,and strengthen the construction of rural public service facilities;Fifth,strengthen health education and publicity in rural areas,eliminate gender inequality,and improve the health literacy of rural left-behind children and their caregivers.