Using Theater as a Health Promotion Tool: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

This scoping review synthesizes evidence from 40 studies on theater's role in health promotion. Key findings reveal that non-interactive theater (e.g. traditional scripted performances) predominates and is used widely across contexts. Interactive theater (e.g. forum theater) is primarily employed for healthy lifestyle promotion. Community-based interventions target broad age ranges (7-94 years) and emphasize disease prevention (e.g. HIV/cancer), while school-based projects focus on children/adolescents and social health (e.g. bullying). Theater consistently improves health-related knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. The gaps of current literature include underrepresentation of marginalized populations (e.g. immigrants and LGBTQI+), limited focus on mental health, and over-reliance on quantitative evaluation methods. Longitudinal impact assessment is rare. The findings underscore theater's versatility in addressing health topics but highlight the need for culturally tailored frameworks, mixed-methods evaluation, and inclusive co-design approaches. These findings guide health practitioners, artists, and policymakers in developing effective theater-based health promotion.