The family structural and socioeconomic characteristics of the family well-being of Hong Kong people

Abstract

This study investigated the family well-being of Hong Kong people through a randomized telephone survey of 2008 adults, using a standardized six-domain index developed specifically for this population. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the heterogeneity of family well-being according to demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics. The results showed significant gender and age differences in people's perception of family well-being. Education, family income, and hiring a domestic helper were also associated with higher family wellbeing index scores, while the impacts of economic activity status, family size, and caring for young children were found to be insignificant. The impact of marital status was somewhat complicated. This article discusses variations observed in the influence of the set of demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics on overall and domain-specific family well-being. Implications for future studies and for social policy formulation and social work practice are suggested.