In Hong Kong, the concept of "carescape" has emerged as a vital framework for understanding how ordinary citizens engage in health management, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis catalyzed a surge in health information and discourse, reshaping cultural perceptions of "good health," resilience, and community well-being. The carescape encompasses the diverse, interconnected environments—both online and offline—where health knowledge is shared, emphasizing the role of personal networks and community dialogue. This study adopts a critical health-humanities lens to investigate "citizen self-health," highlighting how grassroots discussions contribute to a vibrant public health culture. We conducted focus group discussions with four diverse sociocultural groups—-young adults, the elderly, mothers/housewives, and ethnic minorities—-to examine the dynamics within the carescape. Findings reveal that while personal networks remain essential for health information, trust levels vary significantly across demographics. Despite general appreciation for Hong Kong's public health system, challenges such as long wait times and inequitable access persist. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of fostering a carescape that empowers individuals and communities, enhancing health literacy, participatory policy formation, and resilience to improve healthcare equity in Hong Kong.

Authors:
John Nguyet Erni, The Education University of Hong Kong, China

About the Presenter(s)
John Nguyet Erni is Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Chair Professor of Cultural Studies at The Education University of Hong Kong.

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