Oakland Asian Youth Envisioning Health through Photovoice

Introduction:

There is a paucity of research exploring the health needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth, largely due to the influence of the “model minority” myth. Despite this stereotype, AAPI youth in Oakland, CA face challenges to maintaining health, such as poverty and low educational attainment levels.

Objective: The aims of this study are to capture the health needs, strengths and structural barriers affecting AAPI youth using Photovoice, an innovative participatory research method.

Methods:

A needs and strengths assessment utilizing Photovoice and individual interviews was conducted with 8 AAPI youth aged 14-17. Photovoice is a method which blends a grassroots approach to photography with social action. Youth participants took photos that represented the most salient health issues in their community and engaged in critical reflection and dialogue surrounding the photos. The transcripts of six Photovoice sessions and follow-up individual interviews with each youth were analyzed for prominent themes using open coding.

Results:

Major themes elucidated include risk factors related to structural violence, including poverty, lack of access to resources such as health care and jobs, facilitated access to health risks such as fast food, alcohol and tobacco, gender- and race-based violence, gang activity and stress and coping issues. A prominent positive theme elucidated by the youth is the benefit of youth programs in promoting resilience.

Conclusions:

Photovoice is a useful health assessment method. Study findings will inform best practices in health provision for AAPI youth. Recommendations include increasing support for youth development programs and youth-friendly health services.