Brushstrokes of Biology: Evaluating Arts-based Knowledge Translation for the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease

Abstract

Effective public health communication requires inclusive and engaging knowledge translation strategies that bridge the gap between research and practice. Arts-based knowledge translation (ABKT) offers a promising approach to enhance accessibility, foster emotional engagement, and stimulate dialogue across diverse audiences. This thesis explores the potential of ABKT to translate the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD). DOHaD science suggests that the periconceptional environment influences long-term health trajectories, however the concept is underrecognized by the public, policymakers, and healthcare workers. Chapter 1 presents a practical framework to guide users in selecting and refining ABKT methods, which was developed through a review of existing frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of aligning initiative goals with context, people, and project specific factors and engaging in process and outcome evaluations. The chapter also highlights DOHaD as a field well suited to ABKT due to its complexity and need for multipronged dissemination. Chapter 3 quantitatively and qualitatively evaluates the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a multi-site ABKT exhibition designed to communicate DOHaD concepts to the public. The exhibition, cocreated by scientists, artists, and community members, was successfully installed in five diverse locations. A convergent parallel mixed methods approach revealed high engagement at the art gallery, but low engagement in community sites. However, data from all sites indicated emotional resonance and curiosity among attendees and an increased awareness of the social determinants of health among attendees who viewed more artworks. This thesis demonstrates that ABKT can be an effective tool for communicating DOHaD concepts. The findings contribute to theoretical and practical insights, supporting the use of interdisciplinary collaborations to promote health literacy and equitable public health knowledge translation.