In the field of neglected tropical diseases (NTD), there is increasing emphasis on addressing the gap between the scientific efficacy of tools and their translation into different local contexts (1). Social science research can unpack the social inquiry necessary to support more sustainable interventions. To contribute to the rising need for social science research in NTDs, the iCHORDS Research Methods Series will outline the definition, methodology, and importance of relevant research methods in the NTD field. In this blog, we will specifically be focusing on Photovoice and providing a link to our associated infographic.
What is Photovoice?
Photovoice is a participatory research strategy that allows individuals to identify, represent, and enhance their community through photographic techniques. The pictures represent photographers’ realities and lived experiences to the public and policymakers in order to spur change.
The three main goals of photovoice are to enable people to (1) express their community strengths and concerns, (2) promote critical dialogue surrounding personal and community issues, (3) and bring change by reaching and influencing policymakers (2).
How has it been used in the NTD space?
Photovoice allows members of the community affected by NTDs to record their experiences to identify challenges and promote action. It is a way for local communities to take an active role in shaping research projects, adjusting interventions to fit form and purpose.
Photovoice can amplify the voices of marginalized people. COUNTDOWN’s project trained individuals affected by skin NTDs to describe the devastating impact that NTDs can have. Photos in the exhibition illustrated the social isolation, stigma, and mental and physical burden resulting from skin NTDs to community members and policymakers. Project findings were used to lead and shape a series of support groups for people living with NTDs in the community (3).
“Photovoice research has opened my eyes to the plights and yearnings of people with stigmatizing skin diseases such as hydrocele, lymphatic filariasis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer in society.”
– Afolayan Olatunde James, Desk Officer at the Kwara State Ministry of Health.
How do you do it?
Photovoice projects are highly variable and work with people from many different backgrounds and circumstances. General steps in photovoice projects include (Source):
1. Recruitment
Who is the population of interest, and how will they be recruited? Sampling can range from 8-10 individuals per community, with more than one community sampled.
2. Initial Interviews
Interviews can be conducted one-on-one or as focus groups. They are used to understand the participant’s perceptions of the community and ideas relevant to the research issue. Participants should be shown how to operate the camera and be provided with photography objectives. Members should also be taught photography ethics during these sessions, including knowing who or whose private property that may appear in the photographs.
3. Taking the Photographs
Provide the participants with a time frame to take photographs within their community. Ensure that there is accessible communication throughout for participants to inquire about emerging questions or concerns.
4. Follow-Up Interviews
Participants are given a chance to describe their photographs and select those most meaningful to them. Group discussions allow others to provide feedback about how the pictures strike them, while individuals interviews give participants more time to describe their photos in a closed environment.
5. Summarizing the Data
Photographs can be organized by theme, principle, or photographer and be shared through public exhibitions, publications, press releases, or social media. Participants should be informed of the photographs intended use prior to engaging in the photovoice project and have the option of remaining anonymous.
Why use it?
Photovoice is used as a participatory needs assessment tool that can describe community inventory, community assessment, context evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, or process evaluation (4).
Its rich visual data describing social and behavioural settings from community members provide unique perspectives often overlooked by researchers and policymakers. However, researchers should keep in mind that photography can be subjective and that narratives can be misinterpreted. Participants should be made aware of these risks before engaging in photography initiatives.
Studies using Photovoice within the NTDs space
Skin Stories: Life through the lens of affected people in Kwara, Nigeria
Photovoice as a Method for Revealing Community Perceptions of the Build and Social Environment
References
1. Krentel A, Gyapong M, Ogundahunsi O, Amuyunzu-Nyamongo M, McFarland DA. Ensuring no one is left behind: Urgent action required to address implementation challenges for NTD control and elimination. PLoS Negl Trop Dis [Internet]. 2018 Jun 7;12(6):e0006426–e0006426. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29879105
2. Wang C. Photovoice: A Participatory Action Research Strategy Applied to Women’s Health. J Women’s Heal [Internet]. 1999 Mar 1;8(2):185–92. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.1999.8.185
3. COUNTDOWN. Skin Stories: Life through the lens of affected people in Kwara, Nigeria [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://countdown.lstmed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/centre/COUNTDOWN Kwara Photovoice.pdf4.
4. Wang C, Burris MA. Photovoice: Concept, methodology, and use for participatory needs assessment. Heal Educ Behav. 1997;24(3):369–87.
Blog and Infographic created by: Jacie Liu
