Podcasts improve health behaviors and chronic disease management, but show mixed results in physical activity, nutrition and weight.

Study: Podcasts as a tool for promoting health behaviors: a scoping review. Image credit: Stock-Asso/Shutterstock.com

In a recent scoping study published in Digital health, researchers are examining the impact of podcasts on health behaviors and outcomes, usage patterns, and individual perceptions.

How are podcasts used in health and medicine?

Podcasts can cover a wide range of topics, from entertainment and science to sports and news. By 2023, researchers estimated that more than 465 million people were listening to podcasts worldwide, with an average listening time of nine hours per week. In 2024, podcast listeners reached 505 million worldwide.

Podcasts can effectively provide reliable, up-to-date information in relevant and accessible formats. Users can access this information anytime and anywhere while engaging in other activities.

In the field of health education, the effectiveness and impact of podcasts in medical training has been examined. Researchers compared podcasts to conventional training methods in providing educational materials and medical practice guidelines to physicians and medical residents.

About the study

Of the 38 studies reviewed, the majority of participants were college students or obese consumers. It is important to note that many of these studies, particularly descriptive studies, were not considered to be of good quality.

Four studies focused on podcast development, examining topic selection, use of social media platforms, and monitoring of user engagement. The researchers also looked at the distribution and frequency of use of podcasts, as well as their quality indicators.

In comparison, 34 examined podcast implementation and evaluation.

Changes in health behaviors/outcomes

Overall, listening to podcasts changed or improved perceptions regarding the value of certain aspects of nutrition, improved food purchases, and improved daily calorie intake. The impact of podcast listening on fruit and vegetable consumption has been inconclusive.

Physical activity in response to podcast listening was associated with many changes, including increased vigorous and total activity, as well as better self-monitoring of daily activity. Moderate activity levels and weight outcomes did not change significantly in the studies reviewed.

Birth satisfaction among women improved in one study. Other studies have indicated better evaluation of treatment options, as well as increased knowledge of diabetes and weight loss. No changes were observed in cancer symptoms.

Listening to podcasts has no effect on the prevalence of depression or anxiety.

Listening and engagement

Most individuals listened to podcasts at their office or at home, with the latter being preferred. Less than 15% of study participants listened to podcasts while walking or exercising.

Podcasts were very interesting, since several studies indicated participation rates between 62% and 83%. On average, weekly podcast listening time ranged from 103 to 124 minutes. It is similar or better than other platforms.

Study participants struggling with mental health issues, particularly with a history of seeking professional help, were most likely to listen to podcasts on this topic more frequently. More educated participants were also more likely to use these types of podcasts for entertainment purposes. Interviews with people living with mental health issues were the most popular in this genre.

Download statistics remained consistent throughout the study period.

User experiences

Satisfaction with podcasts was highest for those that incorporated personal stories from everyday people and reliable medical information from experts. These features have improved the reliability and increased the enjoyment of these podcasts.

Preferences for other features, such as personal or digital presentations, varied among users. Some study participants found the podcasts confusing or boring. Most participants appreciated the relevance of the topic, the presentation of alternative solutions and the information related to their own experience and/or personal knowledge.

Participants’ comments often included suggestions for better musical quality or other aspects of the presentation.

A balance is necessary between maintaining the informal and relevant nature of podcasts and enhancing their educational credibility..”

Conclusions

Podcasts show promise as effective health promotion tools, achieving strong engagement and effects on knowledge and behavior..”

The current study reports strong positive perceptions and notable benefits offered by podcasts. However, randomized controlled trials should be carried out on a larger scale to validate these results.

Large-scale, methodologically robust research is needed to substantiate the long-term health impacts of podcasts and maximize their potential as a tool for health education and behavior change interventions..”