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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Sonya J. Jones and Margaret E. Bentley, PhD. Nutrition, UNC-Chapel Hill, CB 7400, McGavran Greenberg, School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, 919/968-6692, sjones@email.unc.edu
Introduction. Local food environments shape and are shaped by food preferences of neighborhood residents. Key local institutions, such as schools and restaurants, and policies, such as speed limits and sidewalk development, mediate the relationship between resident health and the neighborhoods. Participatory documentary photography is a novel method for the study of local food environments. Methods. Using participatory photography, 8 groups of residents in Durham, NC identified important issues in the local food environment and developed theories about the causes and consequences of these issues. Each group developed 3 photo assignments, took photographs and participated in facilitated discussions. These groups then organized community forums with local decision-makers to catalyze changes in the food environment. Results. Participants in this study were able to collect and analyze data about their communities, and then use the data to target important changes in their environment. Each group chose to work on a focused issue within their community such as, food accessibility and ?walkability?, food recovery, or school promotions that involve fast food. Implications. Photography is powerful visual medium for initiating change in obesigenic environments. Residents can recognize the obesigenic aspects of their local food environment and advocate for change using their photographs and personal stories. Research that encourages participants to analyze and present their findings is a public health nutrition strategy that deserves more attention.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Photovoice, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.