Family communication is a mediator to increase family harmony, happiness and health: findings from a Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) Project in Hong Kong

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies showed communication among family members is inadequate in Hong Kong. We adopted a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach with collaboration from the academic community and service partners. Community-based programmes were designed, planned, implemented, and evaluated using a positive psychology framework and logic model to enhance family communication and wellbeing through the “Happy Family Kitchen” (HFK) programme. OBJECTIVE:(1) To enhance family functioning and communication in collaboration with various community stakeholders and NGOs so as to promote family health, happiness, and harmony (3Hs); and (2) To evaluate the effectiveness of various components of the project in terms of its structure, process, and outcomes. METHODS: The HFK was a CBPR project with three phases conducted in Yuen Long district in Hong Kong. Phase 1: started with formative needs assessments, and conducted a training of trainer program to build capacity among the community partners in the positive psychology framework, and programme design. Phase 2: The trained community partners prepared proposals and conduct special-design programmes (with booster) to promote family communication and 3Hs. Phase 3: Pre-, post- 6 weeks, and 3 month follow up surveys were conducted to assess outcomes on family communication and 3H indicators. RESULTS: A total of 1419 individuals from 612 families participated in 23 community based programs during Nov 2010 to July 2011. The majority (74.6%) of the participants (n01419) were aged 6-44, 65.0% were female, 46.6% had primary education level and 48.8% were married. The mean communication time showed a significant increase from 152.1 to 161.9 minutes (p-value<0.001) per week and an increase in the mean communication score from 67.7 to 71.4 (p-value<0.001)was observed at 3 months after the intervention. The overall mean happiness score and the mean health score showed a significant increase from7.8 (pre-intervention) to 8.0 (p-value<0.001), and the overall mean harmony score was improved from 7.9 (pre-intervention) to 8.2 (p-value<0.001) at 6 week after intervention. CONCLUSION: The HFK project seemed to be effective in enhancing family communication and increasing family 3Hs. Family communication is a mediator to improve family 3Hs and eating and dinning seemed to be an appropriate platform to enhance the quality and frequency of communication among family members in Hong Kong. Acknowledgement: The study is part of the FAMILY: A Jockey Club Initiative for a Harmonious Society, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.