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. 2024 Jul 29:15:1408508.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1408508. eCollection 2024.

Correlations between non-suicidal self-injury and problematic internet use among Chinese adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Xubin He  1 , Qinyao Yu  2 , Jing Peng  1 , Jianghong Yu  1 , Taiying Wu  3 , Yuan Qin  1 , Shengjun Wang  1 , Tiaoxia Dong  1 , Yulong Liao  1 , Chunbi Hu  1 , Ping Yang  1 , Bo Yang  1
Affiliations

Correlations between non-suicidal self-injury and problematic internet use among Chinese adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Xubin He et al. Front Psychiatry. .

Abstract

Background: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) has continued to be a major issue for public health worldwide, especially among teenagers. Studies have found a certain correlation between NSSI and Problematic Internet Use (PIU). However, this relationship is still unclear among Chinese adolescents, a specific population. Hence, a meta-analysis was carried out on observational studies to explore the connection between NSSI and PIU in Chinese teenagers, aiming to provide more clarity on the correlation.

Methods: To identify the link between NSSI and PIU, we scoured seven digital repositories until November 16, 2023. Employing a random-effects meta-analysis framework, we delved into the association between NSSI and PIU. Additionally, we carried out subgroup evaluations to scrutinize variables including geographical location, age demographics, research methodology, diagnostic instruments, gender, and variables controlled for confounding, like symptoms of depression. For amalgamating data, STATA software (version 16) was deployed.

Results: In this analysis, we included 15 research papers encompassing a collective sample of 137,166 individuals. Our findings revealed a significant positive association between NSSI and PIU within the adolescent population in China, with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 2.02 and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) ranging from 1.73 to 2.37. Notably, this correlation was markedly stronger in specific subgroups: adolescents from China's Western regions exhibited an OR of 4.22 (95% CI: 3.44, 5.18); middle school attendees had an OR of 2.09 (95% CI: 1.92, 2.28); those diagnosed with concurrent depression disorders showed an OR of 2.32 (95% CI: 1.98, 2.73); and female adolescents demonstrated an OR of 2.49 (95% CI: 2.26, 2.75), highlighting the nuanced dynamics of this relationship.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that PIU among adolescents is associated with an increased risk of NSSI. Our findings underscore the importance of targeting specific populations, including those in the western region of China, middle school students, adolescents with comorbid depression disorders, and female adolescents, who may be at higher risk of PIU and subsequently NSSI. These results emphasize the need for tailored interventions and preventive strategies to address these intertwined issues effectively.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024496579.

Keywords: China; adolescents; meta-analysis; non-suicidal self-injury; problematic internet use.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Literature selection process.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of the relationship between NSSI and PIU.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Moderation effect of regional differences on NSSI and PIU.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Moderation effect of age on NSSI and PIU.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Moderation effect of gender on NSSI and PIU.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Moderation effect of depression control on NSSI and PIU.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Sensitivity analysis between NSSI and PIU.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Funnel plot between NSSI and PIU.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Egger plot between NSSI and PIU.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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