District Health Centre Membership Among Older Adults in Hong Kong

This is a two-group parallel cluster randomized controlled trial, involving 180 older adults recruited from 6 clusters. Clusters would be allocated to either the intervention or control arm in a 1:1 ratio Participants will receive home-based DHC intervention by trained students, followed by 1-month of AI-generated digital interventions, including infographics, videos, and messages on the introduction and promotion of DHC, via WhatsApp. The primary outcome is to increase the proportion of District Health Centre members. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of participants utilizing DHC services, physical well-being, mental health, and feasibility metrics. Data will be collected via surveys at baseline and follow-ups (1, 3, and 6 months).

This proposed pilot study aims to improve primary healthcare service uptake among older adults in Hong Kong. In doing so, it seeks to support healthier aging, improve health outcomes, alleviate pressure on hospitals, and offer evidence-based framework for addressing the needs of aging populations.

Inclusion criteria

• 65 years or older
• spoke Chinese
• are physically, mentally, and cognitively capable of engaging in simple physical tasks
• understanding survey questions
• non district health centre member

Exclusion criteria

• All subjects have the right to withdraw if they wish not to continue