Arts programs can help prevent heart disease, diabetes and other leading causes of death, large study finds

Art isn’t just for stages and studios. It can be a powerful public health resource. A new international study, commissioned by the Jameel Arts and Health Lab, has explored the impact of arts programs on preventing some of the world’s leading causes of death, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other non-communicable diseases. These diseases account for 74% of preventable deaths globally.

The study, which analyzed nearly 100 research projects from 27 countries, comes at a crucial time, just ahead of an international meeting organized by the World Health Organization focusing on the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The findings highlight the potential of arts programs to serve as a public health resource and strengthen healthcare systems.

Lead author of the study, Jill Sonke, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of shifting focus from treating diseases to preventing them. She stated, “We would love to see funding and interventions move upstream from treatment toward prevention, and the arts should be part of that prevention strategy, because they really can help.”

The research, published in Nature Medicine, involved an analysis of 95 studies involving over 230,000 participants. The findings underscore the need to consider the arts as essential to public health infrastructure in the fight against non-communicable diseases.

Nisha Sajnani, Ph.D., co-director of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab and co-author of the study, emphasized the cost-effectiveness and scalability of arts and cultural activities for prevention. She highlighted the role of the arts in expanding access, closing equity gaps, and promoting healthy behaviors within communities.

Arts-based programs, whether through community plays, dance groups, or gardening projects, have been shown to make health messages more engaging, memorable, and relevant to individuals. The collective, enjoyable, and creative experiences offered by such programs can increase participation and adherence to health behaviors.

Moreover, arts programs can enhance the cultural relevance of disease prevention initiatives by reflecting local cultures and practices. Community gardening and cultural dance programs, for example, can improve access to health information, encourage behavior change, and boost participation.

While the researchers acknowledge the need for further studies, especially in low-income countries, the current findings suggest that the arts could play a crucial role in promoting health and preventing diseases. By incorporating arts programs into public health strategies, communities may have a valuable tool for improving overall well-being.

For more information, the study titled “The arts for disease prevention and health promotion: a systematic review” can be accessed in Nature Medicine. This research underscores the potential of the arts as a powerful ally in the global efforts to combat preventable diseases and promote healthier lifestyles.