INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT ON HEALTH BEHAVIOUR AMONG WOMEN IN NIGER STATE – NIGERIA

Abstract

Positive health behaviour improves overall health of an individual, it reduces the
risks of diseases and promote health. However, less attention is given to it's
importance due to low social support especially to women mostly from low income
societies in Nigeria. This study examines the influence of social support on health
behaviours among women in Niger State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique
was used to select 384 respondents. Cross - Sectional survey design was used. Data
analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, null hypothesis tested at 0.05
level of significance. The result shows that, the majority of participants (52.1%)
reported moderate to high level of social support. Multiple linear regression analysis
indicate that healthy eating model with β = 0.23, p<0.001 financial support and
family and friends support with β = 0.18, p < 0.002 is a significant predictor, while
exercise, stress management and routine medical check up models shows lesser F
statistics of 8.51, 6.21 and 12.15 respectively. The study concluded that social
support play a critical role in promoting healthy behaviours among women.
Healthcare providers and policymakers can leverage these insights to develop
targeted interventions that foster social support networks.