We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Association of Mobile Instant Messaging Chat Group Participation With Family Functioning and Well-Being: Population-Based Cross-sectional Study.
- Authors
Zhao, Sheng Zhi; Luk, Tzu Tsun; Guo, Ningyuan; Wang, Man Ping; Lai, Agnes Yuen Kwan; Wong, Bonny Yee Man; Fong, Daniel Yee Tak; Chan, Sophia Siu Chee; Lam, Tai Hing
- Abstract
<bold>Background: </bold>Convenient and quality family communication improves family functioning and well-being. Using mobile instant messaging (IM) for family communication is increasingly popular, but its association with family functioning and family well-being has not been reported.<bold>Objective: </bold>The aim of this study was to examine the association of the use of family IM chat groups with family functioning and well-being, and the mediating effect of family communication quality among Chinese adults in Hong Kong.<bold>Methods: </bold>We analyzed data from the Family and Health Information Trend Survey (FHInTS), a territory-wide, probability-based telephone survey conducted in 2017. The quality of family communication, family functioning, and well-being was assessed using the Family Communication Scale; Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) Scale; and Family Well-Being Scale (family heath, harmony, and happiness), respectively. Respondents also reported the number of family IM chat groups (0, 1, 2, ≥3), and numbers of IM messages received (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) and sent (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) daily. The frequency of family IM chat interaction (range 0-8) was calculated by combining the number of messages received from and sent to the family IM chat groups daily. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics and the frequency of family face-to-face communication (often, sometimes, seldom, or never). Data were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Adjusted β coefficients of family functioning and well-being in relation to having a family IM chat group, and numbers of messages received and sent were calculated. The mediation effects of family communication on these associations were assessed, controlling for the covariates.<bold>Results: </bold>A random sample of 1638 Chinese adults (45.6% men; 78.1% aged 25 to 64 years) were interviewed (response rate: 74.4%). Female, younger age, being married or cohabiting, higher education, higher income, better family functioning, and well-being were associated with having at least one family IM chat group (all P<.01). Higher scores of family communication, family APGAR, and family well-being were associated with having more family IM chat groups and more messages received from and sent to family IM chat groups daily (all P for trend <.01). More frequent family IM chat interaction was associated with higher scores of family communication, family APGAR, and family well-being (β=.16-.83, all P for trend <.001). The associations of family IM chat interaction with family functioning and well-being were moderately (51.0%-59.6%) mediated by family communication.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Use of a family IM chat group was associated with higher family functioning and well-being, and the association was partially mediated by family communication.
- Subjects
HONG Kong (China); INSTANT messaging; FAMILY communication; FACE-to-face communication; FAMILY mediation; CROSS-sectional method
- Publication
Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2021, Vol 23, Issue 3, pN.PAG
- ISSN
1439-4456
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.2196/18876