An Experience Using a Fotonovela for Health Education on Environmental Aspects of Obesity Prevention

Fotonovelas are graphic representations of educational contents through a commonly experienced life story. This presentation addresses the use of a fotonovela in Spanish and English for a literacy-limited rural Hispanic/Latino audience. The focus of this fotonovela was to use story telling for educating Latino community members in the environmental factors associated with obesity, such as the built environment, legislation, and food availability. The fotonovela presents motivational messages for the audience to become actively involved in the creation of healthy environments conducive to physical activity and healthy eating. This presentation also addresses the process followed to construct such fotonovela, including focus groups with community members and representatives from community-based organizations. Issues such as health literacy and community involvement will be discussed in this presentation.