Social Media Influence on Health Adherence and Mental Well-Being among Nigerian Youths

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@article{1707835,
      author = {Eze Ugochukwu Zacky, PhD., Michael Nwokedi, PhD., Michael O. Ukonu, PhD., Chinwendu J. Zacky-Eze, Chidiebere A. Ezinwa PhD},
      title = {Social Media Influence on Health Adherence and Mental Well-Being among Nigerian Youths},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {10},
      pages = {352-368},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1707835.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: In today?s digital age, social media platforms play a crucial role in disseminating health information. While they promise increased health awareness, their influence on health adherence and mental well-being among Nigerian youths remains unclear.
Objectives: This study investigates the influence of social media on health adherence and mental well-being among Nigerian youths, focusing on barriers and facilitators to adherence to health recommendations and the emotional toll of alarming health content.
Methods: A survey research design was adopted, targeting 384 Nigerian youths aged 18?50 years, active on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and interacting with health-related content. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a modified DASS-21 questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics analyzed social media usage, health behaviours, and mental well-being indicators, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.
Results: Credibility concerns significantly hinder the translation of health-related content into actionable behaviours. A significant portion of participants (63.4%) reported experiencing anxiety and stress after encountering distressing or alarming health information on social media. Positive messaging and enhanced digital health literacy were critical facilitators in mitigating these effects.
Conclusions: Social media exerts a dual influence on health communication among Nigerian youths, serving as a tool for raising awareness and source of mental health challenges. To maximize its potential, credible health content, digital health literacy programmes, and mental health support systems must be integrated into digital platforms. Effective strategies are recommended to leverage social media as a positive tool for health promotion without compromising mental well-being.
},
      keywords = {Social media, health adherence, mental well-being, Nigerian youths, health communication.},
      month = {April},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV8I10-1707835-459}
  }