Analysing a Multi-arm RCT Participation Using PHQ-8 in Rural China

A substantial body of research emphasizes that community-based early childhood development (ECD) programs significantly enhance developmental outcomes for children in vulnerable communities. A pivotal factor in the success of these programs is consistent attendance. However, understanding of the factors influencing attendance in such programs remains limited. This study examines two such factors—mental health and treatment type—within a multi-treatment ECD program involving 1,576 infants and their caregivers across 120 rural villages in a rural area in China. The findings indicate no significant correlation between mental health and attendance, or between treatment type and attendance, within the Parenting Training (PT) group. In contrast, in the Thinking Health Extended Program (THEP) group, the inclusion of PT reduces THEP attendance by 7.5%. Additionally, accounting for family characteristics, a one-unit increase in the PHQ-8 score is associated with an average decrease of 0.9% in attendance. In the integrated treatment group, a 1.1% additional increase in attendance is associated with one unit increase in PHQ-8.