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

Authors

Heather M. Brandt, University of South CarolinaFollow
Venice E. Haynes, University of South CarolinaFollow
LaShanta J. Rice, Medical University of South CarolinaFollow
Dayna Campbell, American International CollegeFollow
Edith Williams, Medical University of South CarolinaFollow
*Sacoby Wilson, University of MarylandFollow
Saundra H. Glover, University of South CarolinaFollow

Keywords

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

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Environmental Public Health | Public Health | Public Health Education and Promotion

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.

Recommended Citation

Brandt, Heather M.; Haynes, Venice E.; Rice, LaShanta J.; Campbell, Dayna; Williams, Edith; Wilson, *Sacoby; and Glover, Saundra H. (2017) "Using photovoice as a tool for community engagement to assess the environment and explore environmental health disparities," Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice: Vol. 10: Iss. 3, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/jhdrp/vol10/iss3/6