The role of mass media communication in public health: The impact of Islamic Republic of Iran broadcasting health channel on health literacy and health behaviors

Saei, Mohammad Hossein; Valadi, Sardar; Karimi, Kianoosh; Khammarnia, Mohammad

Background: By informing and educating, the Media play a main role in increasing the health literacy of the community. Broadcasting health channels (BHCs) are established to improve health literacy and public health worldwide. This study was aimed to evaluate the role of Islamic Republic of Iran the broadcasting health channel (IRIB HC) on public health. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study was performed on 500 participants throughout 6 urban areas in Tehran, the capital of Iran in 2019. About 250 of the samples were included in viewing the health channel group. A standard questionnaire was used to measure the levels of public health in the 2 groups. Data were analyzed and compared using SPSS software version 25. Results: According to the results, health literacy was higher in the group that used the health channel rather than the other group. Also, with regard to physical and psychological health levels, a significant difference was observed between audiences and nonaudiences (p= 0.013, p= 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The IRIB HC has positive effects on increasing the level of health literacy, Physical and psychological health, and consequently improving public health. Therefore, these channels have a great role in the implementation of health polices to improve health status.