| Abstract: |
This study examined the influence of the Endometriosis Million
Voices Facebook Support Group on the self-management practices
of endometriosis among female university employees in Anambra
State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the growing prevalence
of endometriosis and the increasing reliance on social media
platforms as sources of health information and emotional support.
Anchored on the Social Support Theory and the Uses and
Gratifications Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design.
The population of 1,781 comprising female academic and non
academic employees within the reproductive age range (18–45
years) were drawn from three tertiary institutions: Nnamdi Azikiwe
University, Awka; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,
Igbariam; and Madonna University, Okija. Using a sample size of
370, a multistage sampling technique comprising purposive, cluster,
and proportionate sampling was employed to select the respondents.
Findings revealed that a significant number of respondents actively
participated in the support group and that this participation
significantly enhanced their awareness of endometriosis symptoms
and improved their knowledge of self-management strategies. The
support group also offered substantial emotional support and
fostered a sense of belonging, which positively influenced the
health-seeking behaviors of members. However, limitations such as
misinformation, privacy concerns, and lack of professional
moderation were identified. The study concludes that Facebook
support groups can be effective tools for raising awareness,
promoting health education, and enhancing chronic illness self
management, especially among working women. It recommends
increased institutional recognition of such platforms, integration
with professional health education, and strengthened digital literacy
among women for optimal use of social media-based health
resources |
