Vivamos Activos is an ongoing obesity reduction RCT (N=207) among low-income Spanish-speaking patients in the county health system of San Mateo CA. We invited a sub-set of intervention-arm participants to take part in the Photovoice pilot project conducted May-June 2011. Participants received a digital camera to “take photographs of the things in their life that affected their health.” Primary data were gathered using the SHOWeD methodology (Wang 1997) in an audiotaped group session wherein the photographs were discussed. Secondary data included photograph visual content, participant comments during the public ceremony unveiling the photographs, and written community member responses to the photographs. Qualitative analyses are being conducted. We report descriptive and process data.
Four female participants enrolled and completed the project, producing 119 photos (range 12-48 apiece) with accompanying commentary. Logistical hurdles included lack of participant phones and stable transportation and lack of a designated mobile phone for research staff, whereas use of digital camera technology was not a reported hurdle. Participants expressed satisfaction with the Photovoice process. Qualitative data will be reported.
The Photovoice project was a feasible and acceptable way of promoting discourse and social empowerment regarding personal, family, and community health among marginalized Latina women in San Mateo County.