TV in a good light
Viewers of NBC’s drama “ER” appear to be taking some of the story lines to heart. Analyzing data from three surveys, both mail- and Web-based, USC researchers found that some viewers decided to mend unhealthful ways after watching three specific episodes of “ER” that aired in spring 2004.
The episodes included a story about an African American teen, struggling with obesity and hypertension, who was advised to eat more vegetables and get more exercise.
Published in the Sept. 14 Journal of Health Communication, the study found that the viewers were 65% more likely to report a positive change in their diet or exercise practices than nonviewers. In addition, viewers demonstrated a 5% increase in nutrition knowledge when compared with nonviewers.
“The most important finding,” says Thomas W. Valente, associate professor of preventive medicine at USC’s Keck School of Medicine, “is that you can put a small message in a prime-time TV show, and lots of people will see it and understand it and may even change their attitudes and behaviors as a consequence.”
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