Photo-Novellas: A method to educate low-literate and underserved populations

Historically, underserved populations have been disenfranchised from health education and promotion services. In an effort to reduce educational barriers that continue to promote health disparities amongst at-risk populations, health literacy efforts have shifted towards low literacy and culturally competent health educational materials. The Center for Equal Health, funded by the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, is a partnership between the University of South Florida, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, and the Tampa Bay Community committed to reducing health disparities locally and throughout the state of Florida. Additionally, a team of graduate students awarded the University of South Florida Graduate College's graduate student interdisciplinary Challenge Grant aimed at building research partnerships across disciplines, will be spearheading the research, design and evaluation of the educational materials. The Center, along with its community partners and the graduate students , are collaborating to create a community-based photo-novella, which will facilitate cancer intervention efforts. The main objective of the photo-novella is to create image narratives that will gain greater appeal to low-literate and limited English speaking populations. The project aims to increase community members' awareness and knowledge about cancer prevention and control. An evaluation will be conducted to measure change in awareness and knowledge including a better understanding of cancer prevention approaches (such as screening) and intentions to educate family members and friends at risk. By galvanizing community support and academic partnerships, communities may become more empowered to improve their health status using materials created specifically by and for the intended audience.