The association between family members' migration and Epstein-Barr virus antibody titers among people left behind in rural Fujian, China.

Objectives In contrast to the health of migrants, which has been extensively studied, little attention has been paid to the health of adults left behind by family members who out-migrated to other locations. This study was performed to investigate the association between being left behind and the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titer, which is an indicator of cellular immune functioning previously shown to be associated with psychological stress. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural communities in Fujian, China, in 2015. Questionnaire data and dried blood spot samples were collected from 748 adults. A mixed effect regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association. Results Results indicated that the EBV antibody titers were higher among people who had been left behind compared with those who had not. Conclusions Our findings suggest that, in rural Fujian, China, family separation following the out-migration of family members is an important determinant of psychological stress.