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Open Access 06-05-2024

Using Photovoice to Improve Engagement in Community Health Assessments Addressing Behavioral Health

Authors: Stacey Li, BSPH, Jennifer Gulley, MPH, BSN, RN, Marisa Booty, MHS, Bradley Firchow, BS, Margaret L. McGladrey, PhD, MA, BA

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research

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Abstract

Behavioral health disorders are well-known to have close links with the social determinants of health, yet little is known about how impacted communities perceive these links. Qualitative participatory methods can not only provide insight into how communities conceptualize these relationships but also empower those with lived experience to contextualize their perspectives and formulate calls to action. This study used Photovoice as a participatory method to supplement the Clark County Health Department Community Health Assessment and determine priority facilitators and barriers contributing to the behavioral health of Clark County, KY, residents. A secondary aim was to gain a greater understanding of how the Photovoice methodology impacts community engagement efforts in Community Health Assessments. Twenty-three Clark County residents participated in four Photovoice groups involving five weekly sessions, which included photograph “show and tell,” critical group dialogue, participatory analysis, and planning for dissemination. Secondary analysis of Photovoice focus group discussions revealed behavioral health facilitators and barriers were most influenced by (1) public sector unresponsiveness, (2) strong partnerships formed between community and grassroots organizations, and (3) the siloed division of responsibility between agencies and across sectors. The authors also found the Photovoice method successfully enhanced engagement and empowered those with lived experience to frame their perspectives of the behavioral health landscape. This project has implications for enhancing community engagement and empowerment in behavioral health–focused public health assessments and shaping policy to promote multi-sector collaboration.
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Metadata
Title
Using Photovoice to Improve Engagement in Community Health Assessments Addressing Behavioral Health
Authors
Stacey Li, BSPH
Jennifer Gulley, MPH, BSN, RN
Marisa Booty, MHS
Bradley Firchow, BS
Margaret L. McGladrey, PhD, MA, BA
Publication date
06-05-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-024-09885-4