Health Information-Seeking Behaviour and Use of Social Media for Health Among Youths in Abuja, North Central Nigeria

The proliferation of digital platforms has fundamentally transformed health information-seeking behaviour among Nigerian youths, creating opportunities for health promotion alongside risks of misinformation and self-medication. This study examines health information-seeking behaviour and patterns of social media use for health purposes among youths aged 18 to 30 years in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A cross-sectional descriptive design is applied to 360 youths selected through purposive and snowball sampling from three tertiary institutions and two youth community centres. A self-administered questionnaire captures data on frequency of health information searches, preferred platforms, ability to evaluate source credibility, influence on health decisions, and trust in digital health content. Data are analysed using SPSS with chi-square and multiple regression analysis. Literature from digital health research in West Africa indicates that Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are the most frequently used platforms for health queries among Nigerian youths, yet fewer than 25 percent apply critical evaluation criteria to health content encountered. The Information Adequacy Model provides the study's theoretical basis. Findings will support health communication practitioners and digital platform governance stakeholders in designing youth-targeted health literacy programmes and credible digital health content strategies. Keywords: health information-seeking, social media, youths, digital health, Abuja.