JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

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.

Objective:

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.

Methods:

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 were assessed by using the Family Communication Scale, Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve) 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), the number of IM messages received (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) and sent (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) daily. Frequency of family IM chat interaction (ranged from 0 to 10) was calculated by combining the variable of the number of messages received and the number of messages sent in the family IM chat groups daily. Data were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Adjusted beta-coefficient (β) of family functioning and well-being in relation to having family IM chat group, and messages received and sent. The mediation effect of family communication on these associations were assessed controlling for demographics.

Results:

A random sample of 1638 Chinese adult (mean ± SD age: 56.4±19.2, male: 45.6%) 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 (β ranged 0.25 to 6.77, all P for trend ≤ 0.001). More frequent family IM chat interaction was associated with higher score of family communication, family APGAR and family well-being (all P for trend < 0.001). Effect of family IM chat interaction on family functioning and well-being were moderately (53.1-67.5%) mediated by family communication.

Conclusions:

The use of family IM chat group was associated with higher family functioning and well-being, and the association was partially mediated by family communication.