Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile, Associated Social Support and Strategies for Advancing Health of Retired Civil Servants in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated health-promoting lifestyle profile, associated social support and strategies for advancing health of retired civil servants (RCSs) in Imo State, Nigeria. Three research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted concurrent triangulation mixed methods approach. The study participants consisted of 29,005 registered (RCSs) in Imo State, Nigeria. The sample size was 980, comprising 810 drawn through multi-stage sampling procedure for quantitative data collection, 140 drawn using convenience sampling for qualitative data collection, and 30 experts that indicated the proposed strategies appropriate. Questionnaire and In-depth Interview Guide were used for data collection. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were used for data analyses. Findings revealed that a moderate level of health-promoting lifestyle among retired civil servants, with spiritual growth identified as the highest, while physical activity was the lowest. Social support was significantly associated with RCSs’ health responsibility (β = .143; p<.001), physical activity (β = .233; p<.001), nutrition (β = .156; p<.001), and total healthy lifestyle (β = -.162; p<.001). Findings from the male and female RCSs’ qualitative exploration revealed that the participants moderately engage in health-promoting behaviours, with several structural and personal factors influencing their engagement, and the role of social support in enhancing their health-promoting lifestyle. The findings suggested interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle. However, leveraging social support networks, particularly church community and family support, may enhance overall health-promoting lifestyle engagement, as well as developing accessible exercise programmes for RCSs’ physical and mental health.