Podcasts can improve health knowledge, increase exercise levels and boost healthy eating, according to a study from the University of South Australia (UniSA).
Data from Nielsen shows podcasts have increased in popularity in Australia by 16% since 2023. UniSA researchers found engagement with health-related podcasts was generally high and could be an effective medium for health information and behaviour change interventions.
‘Health and wellbeing podcasts have the unique ability to convey a wide range of health topics to a variety of listeners, but in a very accessible way,’ said researcher, Beth Robins. ‘Not only are podcasts typically chatty and conversational […] but they’re also available at the touch of a button, so they’re extremely convenient, portable, and can be listened to at any time of the day.’
The most common motivations for listening to health podcasts, according to the study, were to gain information, understand mental health, and for entertainment. High engagement with health podcasts creates an advantage over other health interventions to share important public health messages.
‘From this study, we know that podcasts are highly valued for their authenticity and reliability, as well as their impactful, experience-focussed, and narrative-driven content,’ said researcher Dr Ben Singh. ‘While more research is warranted, podcasts are clearly a highly engaging, well-received resource that can positively impact health behaviours and outcomes. It’s certainly a watch this space.’
While the findings of this study are promising, could the trust listeners have in podcasts potentially lead to the spread of misinformation in some cases? Recently, host of Diary of a CEO (DOAC) podcast, Steven Bartlett, has been under fire for ‘amplifying harmful health misinformation’, according to a BBC investigation.
A spokesperson for Bartlett’s production company then responded to the BBC, saying that DOAC is ‘an open-minded, long-form conversation’ that hears from a range of voices, ‘not just those Steven and the DOAC team necessarily agree with’.
Image | Unsplash
