Effectiveness of video-based health promotion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although health promotion scholars and practitioners frequently employ video-based promotion, its effectiveness remains uncertain due to mixed findings. Nuanced details regarding content and design also remain under-explored.

We conducted a comprehensive search across nine databases to identify relevant empirical research articles.

Our systematic review included a total of 54 studies, with 38 studies eligible for meta-analysis. Findings highlight the promising potential of video messaging strategies in promoting health behaviors.

Future research should focus on designing video content that targets detection behaviors within an appropriate length, guided by robust theoretical frameworks to maximize the efficacy of video promotion. More substantial evidence is needed to assess whether video promotion can achieve similar persuasive effectiveness across diverse cultural, political, and economic circumstances. Factors related to the audience (e.g., distinct psychological and personality influences) and message characteristics (e.g., length, credibility) should be further explored to better elucidate the relationship between video-based health promotion and health outcomes.

Health practitioners and organizations should incorporate video-based messages in interventions as supplement or alternative means to educate audiences of positive prevention methods, establish accurate attitude and intentions toward prevention behaviors, and increase their vigilance toward risky behaviors.