Summary: Apps are extremely popular, with people spending over five hours regular listening to them. A new investigation reveals health-related apps can drastically improve health information, improve physical exercise, and encourage healthier eating routines. According to research conducted on 38 studies, podcasts ‘ conversational tone and convenience are the keys to high wedding.
Viewers appreciate their integrity and agility, making podcasts an effective device for public health communication. The results highlight the potential of apps to influence beneficial health changes, despite the need for more research.
Important Information:
- Health podcasts increase awareness, exercise levels, and eating behavior.
- Listeners benefit podcasts for their sincerity, stability, and convenience.
- Audiobooks are cited as powerful tools for delivering information about public health, according to research.
Origin: University of South Australia
Whether it’s ABC Listen ‘s , Health Report , or Mamamia ‘s , But Are You Happy, podcasts have fast become a part of our everyday media consumption. The typical man listens to them for more than five days each week. Was, however, adopting healthier lifestyles be a result?
In the first research of its kind,  , University of South Australia , scientists have explored simply this, finding that audiobooks can significantly improve health information, increase exercise levels, and increase healthy feeding.
According to research from 38 reports, people’s engagement with health-related apps was usually high, suggesting that apps could be a useful tool for promoting health information and behavior change.
Nielsen data , shows that radio popularity has increased by 16 % since last year, cementing this on-demand advertising in the daily life of 9.6 million Australians.
UniSA researcher , Beth Robins , says the results highlight the potential of podcasts promoting good health habits.
According to Robins,” Health and wellbeing audiobooks have the distinct ability to deliver a wide range of health matters to a variety of viewers in a very approachable way.”
” They’re extremely easy, convenient, and can be listened to at any time of the day because they’re usually talkative and verbal, which makes them easy to listen to and know.”
The research found that the most popular motivations for listening to a health podcast was to get information, greater know mental health issues, and to get entertainment.
UniSA researcher , Dr Ben Singh , says the great relationship with wellness apps presents an edge over other health treatments for sharing important public health information.
Dr. Singh claims that this review is the first to examine the general-person’s health podcasting data.
” From this review, we know that apps are highly valued for their integrity and trustworthiness, as well as their powerful, experience-focussed, and narrative-driven information.
They are valued for their potential to become consumed at the patient’s speed and in a setting that works for them, whether that is while they are dog walking or relaxing at home. This is in line with the growing demand for health resources that are both useful and versatile to specific lifestyles.
” While more research is warranted, apps are clearly a very interesting, well-received tool that can positively affect health habits and benefits. It’s certainly a watch this space”.
About this information on psychology and health
Author: Annabel Mansfield
Source: University of South Australia
Contact: Annabel Mansfield – University of South Australia
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
” Podcasts as a tool for promoting health-related behaviours: A scoping review” by Beth Robins et al. Digital Health
Abstract
Podcasts as a tool for promoting health-related behaviours: A scoping review
Background
Podcasts are a common format for delivering health-related content, which has the potential to influence both physical and mental health behaviors and outcomes. This scoping review evaluates the impact of health podcasts on such outcomes, engagement levels, and public perceptions.
Methods
This scoping review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Beginning in 2004, quantitative or qualitative articles were included. Eligibility criteria were developed using the Population, Exposure and Outcome framework. Included articles examined the use, engagement with, or perspectives towards health-related podcasts. Data were synthesised narratively.
Results
Fifty articles encompassing 38 studies were analysed. Significant improvements ( p <, 0.05 ) were observed in health monitoring, knowledge, behaviours, attitudes, chronic disease management, maternal health and behavioural improvements.
Results were mixed for physical activity ( n = 2 significantly improved,  , n = 2 no change ), fruit and vegetable consumption ( n = 1 significantly improved,  , n = 1 no change ), and weight outcomes ( n = 2 significantly improved,  , n = 2 no change ).
No significant changes to anxiety and depression were observed. Podcast engagement studies ( n = 7 ) reported participation rates between 62 % and 83 % and an average weekly listening duration of 103–124 minutes.
Podcasts that successfully merged personal experience with trustworthy medical information received a lot of praise, trust, and appreciation. Sample sizes ranged from 7 to 722, with sample age ranging from under 18 to 73.2 ± 6.2 years. Studies included both male ( n = 1 ), female ( n = 6 ) and mixed samples ( n = 24 ).
Podcasts were used individually ( n = 19 ), alongside other supportive technology such as apps and online material ( n = 11 ) and retrospective podcast use was analysed in cross-sectional ( n = 3 ) and a single ( n = 1 ) audit. Duration of podcasts ranged from 30 seconds to 24 minutes.
Conclusion
Podcasts have strong potential as effective tools for promoting health, generating strong interest, and having beneficial effects on both knowledge and behavior. Future research should explore content innovation and integration into health interventions, and long-term effectiveness.
