Parent emigration and physical health of children left behind: a systematic review of literature

Abstract Background The aim of our study was to systematically review the literature on physical health and related consequences internal international parental migration left-behind children (LBC). Methods This followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched relevant databases for studies published up 15 May 2020. quality assessed using Quality Assessment Tool Observational Cohort Cross-Sectional Studies. Results included 34 out 6061 in final analysis. from shows that compared with non-migrant parents, LBC were more susceptible illness had a higher prevalence acute chronic diseases, have risk getting injured, likely engage risky behaviours such as unhealthy diet, inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, drinking. Studies this found lower coverage vaccination among LBC. adolescents reported poorer than non-LBC. It stunting (11.5% vs. 14.8%), wasting (18.1% 21.5%), underweight (24.3% 26.2%) non-LBC, respectively. Physical activity provided comparative analysis outcomes migration. that, despite type migration/region, suffer poor general health, are at developing nutrition, overweight or obesity, addictive behaviours, coverage, frequent injuries Conclusions both is mostly negatively associated weight height, injuries, immunization. However, low- middle-income countries might also prevent undernutrition. Key messages Internal child outcomes. Issue well addressed China, but there substantial research gap other affected regions world.