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.
Citations
IRE Journals:
Eze Ugochukwu Zacky, PhD. , Michael Nwokedi, PhD. , Michael O. Ukonu, PhD. , Chinwendu J. Zacky-Eze , Chidiebere A. Ezinwa PhD
"Social Media Influence on Health Adherence and Mental Well-Being among Nigerian Youths" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 10 2025 Page 352-368
IEEE:
Eze Ugochukwu Zacky, PhD. , Michael Nwokedi, PhD. , Michael O. Ukonu, PhD. , Chinwendu J. Zacky-Eze , Chidiebere A. Ezinwa PhD
"Social Media Influence on Health Adherence and Mental Well-Being among Nigerian Youths" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(10)
About IRE Journals
IRE Journals is an open access online journals established with an aim to publish high quality of research work in various diciplines. We have more than 6 years in publications. Over 2500+ papers already published.
Important Links
For Authors
Volume 7:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 6:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 5:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 4:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12Volume 3:
Issue 1, Issue 2, Issue 3, Issue 4, Issue 5, Issue 6, Issue 7, Issue 8, Issue 9, Issue 10, Issue 11, Issue 12