DOI: 10.5176/2315-4330_WNC14.75
Authors: Mimi M. Y. Tse, K. L. Chan, Anthony S. W. Wong, Eric W. C. Tam, Elaine Y.L. Fan, Gloria P.C. Yip
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to explore the social participation using smart phone in Hong Kong older adults population. The present study was performed in 10-June-2013 to 16-August-2013. It was a cross-sectional survey study; and was collected from via a street-intercept interview. Participants were approached and invited to response to a questionnaire. The location for data collection was evenly distributed in Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories. The sample size for Hong Kong, Kowloon and New Territories were based on the Hong Kong population proportion in 2011. The estimated time to complete the questionnaire is around 10 minutes. The questionnaire included demographic data, and use of smart phones and their related features. There were 982 participants interviewed; and 46{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} was male and 54{6e6090cdd558c53a8bc18225ef4499fead9160abd3419ad4f137e902b483c465} was female. The participants are divided into young-old (age 50-69) and old-old group (age 70 or above). The mean age is 67.93±10.386. The findings showed that in comparison with the young-old group (age 50 to 69); a smaller percentage of the old-old group (70 and over) used smart phone and mobile messaging apps to communicate with others. There were no difference in pattern with regard to the type and frequency of the mobile app that was used. Comparing to young-old group, a smaller percentage of old-old group had installed the mobile app by themselves and introduced the mobile app to others. This study reveals the behavioral patterns among the young-old and the old-old groups in the use of mobile devices to communicate. The young-old and old-old groups exhibited the same patterns in terms of types and frequency of mobile apps used; however, a smaller percentage of the old-old group used mobile apps to communicate. Different educational programs concerning the importance of social support should be established, and the promotional strategies would need to be tailored to older adults.
Keywords: social support; communication; Hong Kong population; older adults
Updating...