| Abstract: |
In the era of digital communication, social media platforms have
become vital tools for health promotion and awareness. The Healthy
Living with Nonye Soludo programme leverages Facebook to
promote healthier living and sustainable practices among users in
Awka Metropolis. This initiative aims to influence individuals to
adopt healthier lifestyles, including improved dietary habits,
physical activity, and mindful consumption, while also emphasizing
environmental sustainability. Given the increasing role of social
media in shaping public health behaviors, this study explores the
extent to which the programme has influenced the adoption of these
practices among Facebook users in Awka Metropolis. The main
objective is to evaluate the level of awareness, the influence on
health behaviors, and the promotion of sustainable practices such as
mindful consumption and environmental stewardship. Grounded in
Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the study examines how factors
such as self-efficacy, observational learning, and reinforcement
shape users' health-related decisions. A sample of 400 Facebook
users in Awka was surveyed using structured questionnaires to
collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The results indicate
that the programme has significantly raised awareness about healthy
living, with many users adopting improved dietary habits and
engaging in more physical activity. Additionally, the initiative has
effectively encouraged sustainable practices, though challenges
such as high costs, time limitations, and resource accessibility were
identified. Based on these findings, the study recommends
enhancing access to affordable health resources, providing practical
and time-efficient strategies for users, personalizing health content
to increase engagement, and extending outreach through offline
initiatives. These recommendations aim to address barriers and
strengthen the programme's long-term effectiveness in promoting
healthy and sustainable lifestyles. |
