Interrelationships of family health with depression and self-efficacy among Chinese adults: A latent profile analysis and network analysis.

BACKGROUND

The family is a fundamental social unit that significantly influences individual development and mental health. This study aimed to identify potential profiles of family health and explore the interrelationships between family health, depression, and self-efficacy among Chinese adults.

METHODS

A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted, and 9859 participants were selected from the sample population. The Short Form of the Family Health Scale (FHS-SF), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSES) were used in this survey. Latent profile analysis was performed based on FHS-SF items, followed by network analysis to explore the interrelationships among these variables.

RESULTS

The family health status of Chinese adults was categorised into three profiles: dysfunctional family health group (25.5 %), moderate family health group (41.3 %), and optimal family health group (33.2 %). The network analysis showed that the central nodes of the three network models were D6 (Feeling of worthlessness), S2 (Confidence to accomplish difficult tasks), and S5 (Confidence to overcome challenges). Among the bridge nodes, D9 (Thoughts of death), F6 (Distrust of healthcare professionals), and F7 (Family external social support) played a bridging role across network models.

CONCLUSIONS

Family health patterns among Chinese adults show significant heterogeneity. Early identification of high-risk individuals with dysfunctional family health and development of targeted family-focused interventions are essential. Strategies such as personalised psychological interventions, improved healthcare quality, and strengthened social support networks may enhance family health and reduce emotional disorder risks.