Using photovoice as a tool for community engagement to assess the environment and explore environmental health disparities

J Health Dispar Res Pract. 2017 Fall;10(3):68-86.

Abstract

Photovoice was used as a participatory research method to document perceived local environmental hazards, pollution sources, and potential impact on health among community members to address environmental health disparities. A convenience sample of 16 adults in Orangeburg, South Carolina participated in Photovoice. Photos depicted positive and negative implications of the environment across seven themes: recreation and leisure; food access; hazards and pollution; health, human, and social services; economic issues; beautification; and accommodation and accessibility. Positive and negative photos demonstrated a high level of interest among community members in considering how the environment influences health and health disparities.

Keywords: Photovoice; community-based participatory research; environmental hazards; environmental health; environmental justice; health disparities.