RESUMEN
The influence of China's "one-child" policy on the mental health of children and adolescents is still unclear. This study examined the associations between number of children and children's mental health using data from the national school children and adolescents survey of China. Mental health was measured using the Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between number of children per family and children's mental health. A total of 64,017 students were enrolled, with 68.60â¯% from one-child families. Compared with children from one-child families, those from multiple-children families had significantly higher scores on the total CBLC and each of its subscales (all P<0.001). Analyses suggested children from multiple-child families have a higher risk of mental health problems (total problems on the CBCL: adjusted B=2.217, 95â¯%CI=1.883-2.550, P<0.001). Regular mental health assessments should be implemented and effective interventions should be developed for those in need.
RESUMEN
Background and aims: Internet addiction (IA) has been identified as a major public health problem that is more prominent in adolescents and young adults. Some researchers have indicated certain advantages of family-based therapy over other treatments in participants with IA, but no conclusive evaluation has been reported. The present meta-analysis aims to review the efficacy of family-based therapy on Internet addiction in adolescents and young adults. Methods: Relevant articles published from 1996 to February 15th, 2024, were searched from 14 databases, including three Chinese databases. A total of 19,590 articles were identified using a combination of three sets of search terms (Internet addiction, family therapy, and adolescents). Only RCTs and nonrandomized controlled trials were included. Results: 18 studies, most of which were conducted in Asian countries, were included in the final data analysis. The overall severity of Internet addiction in the family-based therapy group was significantly lower than that in the control group. However, significant heterogeneity was detected. Subgroup analysis showed a beneficial effect of family-based therapy when compared with non-intervention and when added to another psychological or behavioural therapy in psychiatric patients with co-medication. Few studies have examined secondary outcomes or follow-up effects. Discussion and Conclusions: Family-based therapy is most effective in reducing the severity of Internet addiction when combined with other therapies, especially medication treatments in psychiatric patients. It might also be helpful to relieve depression and enhance family functions, which needs further evidence. More studies following up on the post-intervention effects are recommended in the future.