Photographing ugandan physical activity: perspectives from Mbararan youth.
BACKGROUND
The medical literature supports the benefits of physical activity for youth. In a developing country such as Uganda, there is little information about physical activity in the lives of youth.


OBJECTIVE
This pilot study attempts to characterize physical activity, work, sport, recreation, and play in the lives of Ugandan youth through community-based participatory photography, interviews, and surveys.


METHODS
Youth were given cameras and instruction in photographic principles. Then they were asked to capture what physical activity means to them and its affect in their lives. Analysis of the photos, survey data, and youth interviews completed the assessment.


RESULTS
Results were shared within the community via discussion and exhibits. The 23 participants mean age was 18 years old (range, 15-20) and 67% had no prior experience with photography. Ninety-four percent of our participants had participated in sports as children and spend longer than 1 to 2 hours a week in physical activity. Photographic Themes include (1) physical activity related to activities of daily living (ADL), (2) cultural physical activities unique to Southwest Uganda, (3) organized sports, and (4) children's school games and play.


CONCLUSIONS
Photography has been a successful research tool with youth to evaluate concepts of physical activity in a developing country. The majority of physical activity in Ugandan youth lives involves ADLs as well as organized sports. Barriers to participation in physical activity still need to be addressed. This study has implications for health prevention, injury prevention, and qualitative researchers working with youth populations in developing countries.
Tharenos
Christy L
CL
University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
Santorino
Data
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003625:Data Collection; D003906:Developing Countries; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009043:Motor Activity; D010781:Photography; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult