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

Authors

  • Emmanuel Sochukwuma Ezaka Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu-Nigeria
  • Asiegbu Martin F Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu-Nigeria
  • Okoli Paul Chibuike Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu- Nigeria
  • Okpara Titus Chukwubuzo Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu- Nigeria
  • Chime Peter Ekpunobi Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu- Nigeria
  • Ozougwu Augustine Obumneme Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu- Nigeria
  • Ofojebe Chukwuma Philip Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka-Nigeria
  • Okoli Alexander Chinwike Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka-Nigeria

Keywords:

Social Support, Mental Wellbeing, Covid-19, Pandemic, Corona Virus

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.

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Published

2022-02-08

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1

Section

Articles