Abstract： Objective To understand the status quo and influencing factors of behavior problems in rural left-behind children. Methods Cross-sectional sampling approach was used for this comparative study.A total of 983 children of 7 to 9 grades from three counties of Changzhi City finished out questionnaires. Results The prevalence of behavior problems was significantly increased in the left-behind children in comparison with the non-left-behind children (59. 7% vs 50. 0% ; χ2 =5. 591 ,P＜0. 05). Long-time separation with mother and poorer education level were risk factors of behavior problems of left-behind children. Conclusion Behavior problems in rural left-behind children are even serious. Parents should avoid becoming a long-term migrant employee and have more concerns to children's mental and behavior health.