The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57869

Rinko Kinoshita, MPH, CNM, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB # 7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, Trude A. Bennett, DrPH, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Rosenau Hall, CB # 7445, CHapel Hill, NC 27599-7445, and Joseph E. de Graft-Johnson, MD, DrPH, Save the Children Federation., USA, 2000 M Street, N.W. Suit 500, Washington D.C., DC 20036, 202-293-4170, atodiggie@yahoo.com.

Since the early 1970s, the World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted training of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) as a strategy of improving maternal and infant health in developing countries.¹ Thus far, the role of TBAs has been controversial with limited scientific evidence of their effectiveness in preventing maternal mortality.² Although many studies have examined impacts of TBA training programs, few have qualitatively explored TBAs’ roles in community. The main objective of this study was to enable TBAs to assess community health needs and their roles in meeting these needs by taking photographs. The study was conducted between the periods of July 4-23, 2002, in Mangochi District, Malawi. Participants were recruited from two Health Zones by a convenient sampling method. Total of 6 TBAs within two groups completed two photo-sessions. The study enabled TBAs to assess a myriad of community needs in terms of health, environment, cultural norms, as well as their roles as TBAs. The study also revealed that TBAs have wide range of interests and make significant contributions to community health. The photovoice technique appeared to be empowering for TBAs in expressing and discussing their perceptions on their works. As a recommendation, series of photo-sessions should be conducted involving more participants. Information on community needs identified by TBAs can be used to advocate for resources and influence national and local policies. Opportunities for TBAs to exhibit their photos in a public setting will give them further empowerment, which may affect policy-makers in re-considering TBAs’ critical roles.

Learning Objectives:

• 1) Define “photovoice” as a participatory action research method.
• 2) Identify three methods for using cameras as a needs assessment tool.
• 3) Understand community health-related issues in developing countries as perceived by traditional birth attendants through the lens of cameras.
• 4) Develop photovoice study protocols based on lessons learned from this session.

Keywords: Participatory Action Research, Community Health

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.