142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Picturing Adelante: Latino Youth participate in CBPR using place-based photovoice

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Monday, November 17, 2014 : 12:50 PM - 1:10 PM

Elizabeth Andrade, DrPH, MPH , Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC
Idalina Cubilla, MPH , Avance Center/ Prevention and Community Health Dpt/ Epidemiology Departments, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC
Lauren Simmons, MPH , Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC
Gloriana Sojo , Avance Center/Prevention and Community Health Department, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington DC, DC
Sean Cleary, PhD, MPH , Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, The George Washington University School of Public Health & Health Services, Washington, DC
Mark C. Edberg, PhD, MA , Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC
W. Douglas Evans, PhD , Department of Prevention and Community Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC
BACKGROUND: Community-based participatory research (CBPR) often confronts barriers such as language, literacy, and legal status when studying health and social issues, especially among marginalized immigrant communities. To have true community participation in CBPR interventions, researchers must use innovative communication tools to give a voice to those who are sometimes unheard. This study sought to: 1) expand our understanding of current needs and experiences of Latino youth and their families living in Langley Park, Maryland; 2) involve youth in the process of developing a targeted CBPR intervention; and 3) build skills in photography, critical thinking, and community activism among Latino youth. 

METHODS: Using photovoice, we engaged twelve Latino youth, including six recently arrived and six second generation immigrants, in a dialogue about peer, family, community, and health issues affecting Latinos. Through four sessions, participants developed photography skills, used photographs to stimulate critical thinking and discussion, and suggested  solutions for emergent issues.

RESULTS: Important themes emerged from the photo-assignments: housing needs, health care access, food deserts, and substance abuse, in particular heavy alcohol use, all of which were cited by participants as having substantial influences on their lives. Participants organized a photography exhibition and community forum to raise awareness about important findings.

CONCLUSIONS: Both recently arrived and second generation Latino youth have important perspectives to share that guide and refine ongoing targeted CBPR interventions. Photovoice is a unique way to engage these youth in CBPR as well as to share their work and findings with the larger community, stakeholders, and academic partners.

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate application of the photovoice method for informing a CBPR intervention. Describe peer, family, and community issues that were identified by immigrant Latino youth as relevant to their health and well-being. Discuss relevance of the identified community health issues to other similar immigrant communities. Explain the benefits and limitations of using photovoice as a way to engage recently immigrated and second generation adolescents in community activism

Keyword(s): Community-Based Partnership & Collaboration, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was a co-implementer of the project and I am first and second author on publications related to this project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.