APPLICATION OF THE PHOTOVOICE METHOD TO PROMOTE PARTNERSHIPS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY IN A SLUM IN PAKISTAN

• Published in: Annals of nutrition and metabolism 2020-01, Vol.76, p.105
• Main Authors: Querol, S Estecha, Al-Khudairy, L, Iqbal, R, Gill, P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Cameras; Collaboration; Community involvement; Community participation; Malnutrition; Nutrition; Partnerships; Research projects; Slums; Social change; Social interactions; Studies; Teenagers
• ISSN: 0250-6807; 1421-9697

Introduction: Photovoice is a community-based participatory action research method that aims to involve community members in the research process to produce meaningful data for the community and ultimately cause social transformation (action). Objectives: This project main objective is to understand malnutrition and potential causes among schooled adolescents living in a slum in Karachi (Pakistan) using photovoice. Methods: Photovoice places cameras in the hand of the community so that their worldviews and feelings can be expressed. The process of photovoice involves participants' photo production, reflection and collective interpretation of the images, and dissemination of the findings aimed to cause social change. In this photovoice project, disposable cameras will be given to 20 adolescents aged between 10 to 19 years who live in a slum in Karachi. To effectively carry out this project, the research team will need to gain access to the school through community leaders and develop a research consensus with the collaborating community which will allow partnership and engagement. At this first stage, it is important to consider and minimize the power imbalances between the research team and the collaborating community. In this collaborative and participative project, the participants will become co-researchers, so the distinction between researchers and participants will be minimized. Results: Since community-based participatory action research principles will underpin this photovoice project, the research team is expected to build partnerships with the community before undertaking any research-related action. The research team will ensure collaboration firstly with community leaders, and secondly with the school team in order to gain access to the target population. We expect that local authorities and community leaders will facilitate access, social change, and knowledge dissemination. However, we could face unwillingness to cooperate and engage with the project, which may block the research project. Conclusions: This study will make a unique contribution to the evidence on adolescents living in slums by using the unique method of photovoice to understand malnutrition and potential causes. It will also explore ways for community partnership and engagement with research.