Using Information and Communication Technologies for Family Communication and Its Association With Family Well-Being in Hong Kong: FAMILY Project

Abstract

BackgroundFamily communication is central to the family and its functioning. It is a mutual process in which family members create, share, and regulate meaning. Advancement and proliferation of information and communication technologies (ICTs) continues to change methods of family communication. However, little is known about the use of different methods for family communication and the influence on family well-being.ObjectiveWe investigated the sociodemographic factors associated with different methods of family communication and how they are associated with perceived family harmony, happiness, and health (3Hs) among Chinese adults in Hong Kong.MethodsData came from a territory-wide probability-based telephone survey using the Family and Health Information Trend survey (FHInTs). Frequency of family communication using different methods (ie, face-to-face, phone, instant messaging [IM], social media sites, and email) were recoded and classified as frequent (always/sometimes) and nonfrequent (seldom/never) use. Family well-being was measured using 3 questions of perceived family harmony, happiness, and health with higher scores indicating better family well-being. Adjusted odds ratios for family communication methods by sociodemographic characteristics and adjusted beta coefficients for family well-being by communication methods were calculated.ResultsA total of 1502 adults were surveyed. Face-to-face (94.85%, 1408/1484) was the most frequent means of communication followed by phone (78.08%, 796/1484), IM (53.64%, 796/1484), social media sites (17.60%, 261/1484), and email (13.39%, 198/1484). Younger age was associated with the use of phone, IM, and social media sites for family communication. Higher educational attainment was associated with more frequent use of all modes of communication, whereas higher family income was only significantly associated with more frequent use of IM and email (P=.001). Face-to-face (beta 0.65, 95% CI 0.33-0.97) and phone use (beta 0.20, 95% CI 0.02-0.38) for family communication were associated with significantly higher levels of perceived family well-being.ConclusionsSocioeconomic disparities in using these information and communication technologies (ICT) methods for family communication were observed. Although traditional methods remain as the main platform for family communication and were associated with better family well-being, a notable proportion of respondents are using new ICT methods, which were not associated with perceived family well-being. Because ICTs will continue to diversify modes of family communication, more research is needed to understand the impact of ICTs on family communication and well-being.

Sharing Family Life Information Through Video Calls and Other Information and Communication Technologies and the Association With Family Well-Being: Population-Based Survey

“…Despite the high prevalence of ICT use, traditional communication methods (face-to-face and phone) are most used in a family context in Hong Kong, along with a higher level of family well-being [ 28 ]. Face-to-face communication includes verbal, nonverbal, and social context cues with real-time feedback and interaction, which can provide greater communication satisfaction [ 29 , 30 ].…”

A Community-Based Intervention Program to Enhance Family Communication and Family Well-being: The Learning Families Project in Hong Kong

“…Choices included “not adequate at all,” “not adequate,” “fair,” “adequate,” and “very adequate.” It was measured at T1 and T3 in the intervention group, as well as at baseline and follow-up in the control group. Family 3Hs were assessed by three separate questions which have been used in our previous study ( 34 ). Respondents provided a score from 0 to 10 for their perceptions of the health, happiness, and harmony in their own families.…”

“…In addition, previous studies on family communication mainly focused on communication patterns, rather than communication time or adequacy ( 31 – 33 ). Our previous telephone survey in Hong Kong showed face-to-face and phone use for family communication associated with a higher level of perceived family well-being ( 34 ). This study aimed to examine whether our brief community-based intervention programs could improve family communication and family well-being.…”

The Chinese adaptation of Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short version in Hong Kong adults: a population study

“…Being married/ cohabitated is associated with more frequent use of telephone call, instant messaging and email for family communication than being single [25], which may contribute to more dependent use of smartphone. In contrast, problematic use of smartphone functions unrelated to family communication such as online video gaming and gambling may worsen family relationship and lead to marital breakdown [26,27].…”