262168 Using Visual Data to Engage Stakeholders in a Community Assessment of a Placed-Based Initiative: Participatory photography

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Arturo Garcia Jr., MPH , Research and Evaluation Unit, Special Service For Groups, Los Angeles, CA
Fabiola Santiago, MPH , Special Service for Groups, Los Angeles, CA
  
  
Comprehensive place-based initiatives require community researchers to engage multiple stakeholders in meaningful planning, implementation and evaluation efforts. First 5 LA (F5LA) and community stakeholders collaborated to conduct a placed-based initiative, Best Start, to improve health outcomes for families of children 0-5 in socioeconomically marginalized communities throughout Los Angeles County. This presentation provides an overview of Best Start's community assessment methods to identify: (1) community assets and strengths; (2) community conditions that influence behavior change; and (3) factors that F5LA can effectively influence to improve health outcomes. Using participatory photography has previously demonstrated effectiveness in community participatory action research programs. As such, participatory photography was used to engage Best Start community members in identifying assets within their community. Over a three-month period in 2011, fourteen Los Angeles communities participated in participatory photography sessions. A total of 35 community members participated. Program staff engaged participants in critical dialogue to collaboratively develop social marketing tools (posters, etc.) for Best Start community education and outreach. These posters, designed by community members and Best Start, will depict assets and deficits found in the built environment (e.g. where families play, learn, eat, and obtain services). Participatory photography is a powerful vehicle to further community action. Similar programs may benefit from participatory photography to increase community program buy-in and foster social action.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Diversity and culture

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe qualitative and quantitative data techniques that can be utilized to conduct needs assessments of a placed-based initiative; 2. Describe how visual data can be used to engage stakeholders; 3. Explain the strengths and challenges in conducting a participatory approach using visual data methods in a community-based setting.

Keywords: Community Assets, Needs Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have 7 years of extensive research experience in areas, such as substance use and recently participatory research. I have experience using mixed-methods to conduct community needs assessments and evaluations of public health programs. My public health interests are using CBPR and qualitative methodologies to address health inequalities in underserved populations. I earned an M.P.H. degree at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, as well as undergraduate degrees in Biology and Community Health Education.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4407.0: Community Partnerships in Maternal Child Health: Assessment and Evaluation