Association of engagement in cultural activities with cause-specific mortality determined through an eight-year follow up: The HUNT Study, Norway

Abstract

Participation in cultural activities may protect against cause-specific mortality; however, there is limited knowledge regarding this association. The present study examines the association between participation in a range of receptive and creative cultural activities and risk of cardiovascular disease- and cancer-related mortality. We also examined whether participation in such activities and influence by gender have on this association. We followed 35,902 participants of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3) of Cardiovascular-Disease and Cancer Mortality from 2006–08 to 2016. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to estimate the risk of specific mortality based on baseline cultural participation. During the eight-year follow-up, there were 563 cardiovascular-disease- and 752 cancer-related deaths among the sample (292,416 person years). Risk of cardiovascular-disease mortality was higher among non-participants in associations/club meetings (22%) and outdoor activities (23%), respectively, as well as non-attendees of art exhibitions (28%). People who engaged in music, singing, and theatre had a 27% reduced risk of cancer-related mortality when compared to non-participants. Among women, participating in associations/club meetings reduced the risk of cardiovascular-disease mortality by 36%. Men who participated in music, singing, and theatre had a 33% reduced risk of cancer mortality. Overall, a reduced risk of cardiovascular-disease mortality was associated with engaging in creative activities on weekly basis to less than twice per week. For both genders, participating in creative activities less than once a week reduced cardiovascular-disease mortality risk by 40% and 33%, respectively. For the overall sample, participating > 2 times per week in combined receptive and creative activities reduced cancer-related mortality by 29%. Participating frequently in both receptive and creative activities cultural activities was associated with lower risks of CVD and cancer-related mortality. Our data suggest that, to counteract the public health burden of cardiovascular disease- and cancer mortality, policies and initiatives to increase citizens’ participation in cultural activities should be considered.

Impact of the Changes in the Frequency of Social Participation on All-Cause Mortality in Japanese Older Adults: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study

“…The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal study in Norway, reported that the frequency of social participation of less than 1, 1 to less than 2, and 2 or more times per week reduced mortality risk by 18%, 31%, and 39%, respectively [ 14 ]. Participation in both receptive and creative activities at least twice a week was associated with a 29% reduction in cancer-related mortality [ 15 ]. Fancourt et al studied the association of all-cause mortality among adults aged 50 years and older and reported that those who participated in receptive arts activities at least once every few months or more had a 31% lower mortality rate compared to those who never participated [ 16 ].…”

Digital Arts And Culture For Mental Health In People Aged 16-24: A Qualitative Interview Study

“…Regular attendance of cultural events in the community has been shown to be associated with a multitude of health bene ts including increased longevity [25][26][27][28] and previous commentary has described the potential of the cultural heritage sector as providing sites for public health interventions [29]. DAC from cultural institutions such as museums, arts galleries and libraries has enormous potential for enabling wider access and more frequent and exible engagement for optimal public health impact.…”

Online arts and culture for mental health in young people: a qualitative interview study

“…Regular attendance of cultural events in the community has been shown to be associated with a multitude of health bene ts including increased longevity [38][39][40][41] and previous commentary has described the potential of the cultural heritage sector as providing sites for public health interventions [20]. OAC from cultural institutions such as museums, arts galleries and libraries, has enormous potential for enabling wider access and more frequent and exible engagement for optimal public health impact.…”