%0 Journal Article
%@ 1438-8871
%I JMIR Publications
%V 23
%N 3
%P e18876
%T Association of Mobile Instant Messaging Chat Group Participation With Family Functioning and Well-Being: Population-Based Cross-sectional Study
%A Zhao,Sheng Zhi
%A Luk,Tzu Tsun
%A Guo,Ningyuan
%A Wang,Man Ping
%A Lai,Agnes Yuen Kwan
%A Wong,Bonny Yee Man
%A Fong,Daniel Yee Tak
%A Chan,Sophia Siu Chee
%A Lam,Tai Hing
%+ School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong), 852 3917 6636, mpwang@hku.hk
%K mobile instant messaging
%K chat groups
%K family communication
%K family well-being
%K family functioning
%D 2021
%7 15.3.2021
%9 Original Paper
%J J Med Internet Res
%G English
%X 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: 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. 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 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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. 
%M 33720034
%R 10.2196/18876
%U https://www.jmir.org/2021/3/e18876
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/18876
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33720034