A participatory method to identify root determinants of health: the heart of the matter.
BACKGROUND
Co-learning is one of the core principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Often, it is difficult to engage community members beyond those involved in the formal partnership in co-learning processes. However, to understand and address locally relevant root factors of health, it is essential to engage the broader community in participatory dialogues around these factors.


OBJECTIVE
This article provides a glimpse into how using a photo-elicitation process allowed a community-academic partnership to engage community members in a participatory dialogue about root factors influencing health. The article details the decision to use photo-elicitation and describes the photo-elicitation method.


METHODS
Similar to a focus group process, photo-elicitation uses photographs and questions to prompt reflection and dialogue. Used in conjunction with an economic development framework, this method allows participants to discuss underlying, or root, community processes and structures that influence health.


CONCLUSIONS
Photo-elicitation is one way to engage community members in a participatory dialogue that stimulates action around root factors of health. To use this method successfully within a CBPR approach, it is important to build on existing relationships of trust among community and academic partners and create opportunities for community partners to determine the issues for discussion.
Barnidge
Ellen
E
Saint Louis University School of Public Health, USA.
Baker
Elizabeth A
EA
Motton
Freda
F
Rose
Frank
F
Fitzgerald
Teresa
T
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D003256:Community Participation; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research / Q000379:methods*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D005260:Female; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008923:Missouri; D010781:Photography; D012922:Social Change; D055815:Young Adult