Relationship Between Mobile Social Network Usage and Social Health Among Staff Members of Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Heidari*, Alireza; Mardani, Arman; Kouchak, Farideh; Khatirnamani, Zahra

doi:10.61186/j.health.16.1.26

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Volume 16, Issue 1 (spring 2025)

j.health 2025, 16(1): 26-36

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Relationship Between Mobile Social Network Usage and Social Health Among Staff Members of Golestan University of Medical Sciences

Alireza Heidari* ^*

, Arman Mardani

, Farideh Kouchak

, Zahra Khatirnamani

Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract: (40 Views)

Background & objectives: Social health is an essential component of overall well-being, reflecting an individual’s ability to perform activities and social roles effectively. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mobile social network usage and the mental and social health of staff members at Golestan University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 250 staff members from Golestan University of Medical Sciences in 2022, selected through stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the Safarinia Social Health Questionnaire and the Rasoulabadi Mobile Social Networks Usage Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23 software, utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: The average age of participants was 41.07±6.8 years, with an average work experience of 15.04±6.93 years. The study sample comprised 56.8% women and 43.2% men. The most commonly used social networks were WhatsApp (44.8%) and Instagram (28.4%). The average scores for social network usage, mental health, and social health were 21.81±5.74, 35.17±6.20, and 77.24±11.64, respectively. A significant correlation was found between mobile social network usage and overall mental health, particularly in anxiety, insomnia, and depression symptoms (p<0.05). Additionally, mobile social network usage was significantly associated with overall social health, as well as its dimensions: social prosperity, social cohesion, social solidarity, and social acceptance (p<0.05). In general, a significant relationship was observed between social health and its dimensions and the type of social network (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Although the reported amount of social network usage was relatively low, this may be influenced by restricted access due to network filtering policies. The findings highlight a pressing need for mental health interventions among staff members, along with measures to improve social health. Given the observed association between social network usage, mental health, and social health, rational and controlled engagement with social networks can help mitigate potential risks while fostering positive social interactions.

Keywords: Social Networks, Mobile Phone, Mental Health, Social Health

Full-Text [PDF 240 kb] (39 Downloads)

Type of Study: Research | Subject: General
Received: 2025/06/23 | Accepted: 2025/03/30 | Published: 2025/03/30

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Heidari* A, Mardani A, Kouchak F, Khatirnamani Z. Relationship Between Mobile Social Network Usage and Social Health Among Staff Members of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. j.health 2025; 16 (1) :26-36
URL: http://healthjournal.arums.ac.ir/article-1-3000-en.html

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