Editorial: Arts and design in public health in a digital age: a multidisciplinary perspective

摘要

A growing body of research underscores the potential of art-based interventions in public health. Studies reveal that engagement with the arts can significantly improve mental health by alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression. Arts and design also promote social connections and foster health awareness, as seen in effective public health campaigns encouraging vaccinations and safe health practices. These interventions are not only about aesthetics but about creating impactful experiences that resonate with individuals and communities.Artificial intelligence, including new technologies like social robots, is transforming public health education and intervention strategies (Song, Luximon, et al., 2023;Song, Tao, et al., 2023). AI can interact with cultural elements, digital technology, and user-centered design to deliver tailored and engaging health interventions. AI-driven tools can be tailored to incorporate cultural elements, ensuring that health interventions are relevant and respectful of diverse traditions and practices. By understanding cultural contexts, AI can deliver messages that resonate more deeply with specific communities, enhancing the effectiveness of public health campaigns.Digital technology enables the creation of interactive and adaptive learning environments. Online videos can simulate real-world scenarios, providing daily experiences that help individuals practice healthy behaviors. These technologies can make health education more engaging and memorable, leading to better retention and application of knowledge.AI allows for the customization of health interventions based on user data. By analyzing user preferences and behaviors, AI can design personalized health plans that cater to individual needs. This user-oriented approach ensures that health interventions are not only effective but also more likely to be embraced by users, leading to sustained health improvements.This special issue presents a collection of original research articles, reviews, and opinion pieces that explore the intersection of arts, design, and public health:The study by Xu et al. found that online short videos can significantly improve public knowledge about breast cancer symptoms, risk factors and screening methods, as well as positively influence attitudes towards breast self-examination (Xu et al., 2023).Hearst, Belay, and Wilcox's research demonstrated that engagement with local arts initiatives in Addis Ababa helped foster cultural understanding, reduce stigma around mental illness, and improve community support for those struggling with mental health issues (Hearst et al., 2023).Luo et al. developed a public first aid education model centered on user experience design principles, leading to improved knowledge retention, skill acquisition and motivation for first aid training among participants compared to traditional methods (Luo et al., 2023).The study by Davies et al. found a positive association between recreational arts engagement (music, dance, visual arts) and better self-reported general health, reduced depression and higher life satisfaction in a cohort of older Australian adults (Davies et al., 2023).Xuan et al.'s research showed that well-designed health science popularization videos can significantly enhance users' perceived usefulness, enjoyment and continuous usage intention of such content by increasing immersion and personal relevance (Xuan et al., 2023). Through computational analysis, Xue et al. uncovered distinct emotional patterns in religion-related films compared to other acclaimed movies, suggesting these films may provide a contemplative space aligning with spiritual themes to enable personal growth (Xue et al., 2024). Urich et al.'s community campaign integrated arts with health messaging, leading to increased knowledge about preventing illnesses like diabetes and dementia, as well as high engagement from Hispanic community members (Urich et al., 2024).Wang and Li explored how AI technologies like in