ArticleBJPsych open2026
Cross-cultural comparison of somatic-depressive symptom networks in Chinese and Rwandan adolescents: network analysis study.
Article in BJPsych open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundAdolescent depression often presents with somatic complaints, and its clinical manifestation is strongly shaped by cultural context. In non-western districts, psychological distress is frequently expressed through physical symptoms; a tendency that, combined with mental health stigma and culturally influenced health beliefs, complicates accurate detection, diagnosis and treatment. Standardised diagnostic tools developed in Western populations may overlook culturally specific symptom patterns, contributing to under-recognition and inadequate care. Despite the global impact of adolescent depression, cross-cultural symptom-level studies remain limited, hindering the development of culturally responsive mental health strategies.
aimsThis study aims to compare somatic-depressive symptom networks in Chinese and Rwandan adolescents using symptom-level network analysis, to identify culturally distinct central and bridge symptoms, and to assess structural differences between symptom networks across groups.
methodA cross-sectional sample of 3830 adolescents (China:
resultsDepressive symptoms were more prevalent among Rwandan adolescents (54.6%) than among Chinese adolescents (29.2%), whereas somatic symptoms were more commonly reported by Chinese participants (71.0%
conclusionsThe findings revealed distinct central and bridge symptoms in Chinese and Rwandan adolescents, reflecting culturally patterned architectures of symptom expression and distress reporting. These results highlight the need for culturally adapted screening tools and symptom-level interventions that target culture-specific symptoms to improve adolescent mental health care globally.
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