Impact of Social Support on Mental Wellbeing among Internet Users In Nigeria During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study investigated the role of social support on mental wellbeing during COVID-19 Pandemic among internet users in Nigeria. A total of one hundred and six (106) participants (55 (51.9%) females, and 51 (48.9%) males participated in the study. The participant ages ranged from 19-29 years with a mean age of 28.68 and standard deviation of 8.14. Participants were drawn using convenience sampling technique and data were collated using the online Google form method. The link to the survey was shared across different platforms such: as Facebook, Whatsapp, and email list. The participants gave their consent and willingness to participate by checking a box in the online survey. Two instruments were used in data collection namely; a 15-item COVID-19 social support questionnaire (COVID-19- SSQ) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (AWEMWBS). Two hypotheses were tested. The study adopted cross sectional design, while regression was employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that the presence of social support has significant influence on existence of mental wellbeing. It is recommended that social support factor should be sustained because of its buffer effect on mental wellbeing during COVID-19 Pandemic among internet users in Nigeria.