APA Dictionary of Psychology

a type of public health strategy that uses radio, television, print media, advertising, and digital and social media platforms to disseminate messages intended to inform, influence attitudes, and change health-related knowledge, beliefs, or behaviors at the population level. They are commonly designed to reach large audiences efficiently and are often used in health promotion, disease prevention, and social marketing campaigns. The purpose of this strategy is to achieve positive health outcomes in a large number of people by altering their behavior without face-to-face counseling. See universal intervention.