Cultural activities and public health: research in Norway and Sweden. An overview

Abstract

In Norway and Sweden, the governments see a potential for establishing a policy for cultural participation, based on the assumption that cultural activities will improve health and well-being. Aim: The aim was to survey the scientific literature in Norway and Sweden concerning cultural interventions for increased well-being and health. All applications of cultural activities in medical and leisure time field were included. Methods: Medline, Cinahl, Cochrane, Psycinfo, Proquest, Sportdiscus, PsiTri, Norart, ERIC, www.helsedirektoratet.no, www.folk2.no, www.nakuhel.no, www.ssd.gu.se, www.scb.se were browsed. Additionally, grey literature such as books, reports, as well as White and Green Papers has been searched. Studies published from 1995 to 2009 were included. Results: Mostly effects of cultural participation in clinical settings were studied, focusing on small groups. Very few studies have been published regarding public health aspects. The few epidemiological studies were for the most part carried out in Sweden. In Norway the prime issue has been music therapy. Conclusions: More epidemiological and longitudinal studies addressing cause–effect relations and intermediary mechanisms are warranted as well as public health intervention studies.