Abstract
Community engagement in identifying issues of collective concern to address health disparities is an approach that is central to conducting community-based participatory research. It is particularly important for youth to be engaged in dialogue around issues that affect their lives. Participation of this nature is understood, within a Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach, to be an element of primary prevention vis a vis health risks. Photovoice has been an increasingly used methodology to enable youth to identify and address issues relevant to their daily experiences. We implemented a six-week Photovoice project guided by a PYD approach with Latino immigrant youth (n=12) from Langley Park, MD. This article describes the experiences of facilitators in implementing the program, testing a new curriculum, and also presents results related to changes in PYD assets among participants. We also offer recommendations for future Photovoice programs with similar populations and aims.
Highlights
Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S, accounting for 16.9% of the total population (US Census Bureau, 2012), a key population of focus with respect to addressing health disparities
We describe the development and a testing a Photovoice curriculum with immigrant, Latino youth participants living in Langley Park, as well as the impact of the program on changes in Positive Youth Development (PYD) assets among participants
Similar to the participatory planning process used by MoralesCampos (2015), the Photovoice project provided an important mechanism for youth to be involved in the future direction and planning of the Adelante intervention by identifying community issues to be addressed by the program
Summary
Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S, accounting for 16.9% of the total population (US Census Bureau, 2012), a key population of focus with respect to addressing health disparities. The same study estimates that among foreign-born Latinos ages 12-17, 66.33% have lived in the U.S three years or less (Cleary, 2014), which is consistent with a recent wave of unaccompanied minor immigrants from Central America choosing Langley Park as their final destination. It is important for youth to be engaged in dialogue around issues that affect their lives and to be empowered to take action if barriers and injustices are identified Participation of this nature is understood, within a PYD approach, to be an element of primary prevention vis a vis health risks. The Photovoice process is an excellent strategy for achieving this goal, allowing young people an opportunity to explore different social phenomena, culture, and behaviors, enhancing their understanding of themselves and world they live in (Strack, Magill, & McDonagh, 2004)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
