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Going Beyond the Mold: A PhotoVoice Project with NYCHA Residents in the South Bronx
OBJECTIVE: Recognizing the prevalence of asthma and poor housing conditions, South Bronx Churches, Immaculate Conception Church and Columbia University developed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) PhotoVoice project illuminating the health impacts of living with mold in NYCHA apartments.
METHODS: First, researchers met with South Bronx residents to explain the project, distribute disposable cameras, and discuss housing concerns. After one week, researchers and eight “resident-researchers” (RRs) reconvened for in-depth interviews about their photographs. Finally, a focus group with RRs discussed shared experiences and created an action plan. Interview field notes and focus group transcripts were analyzed to identify emerging themes, including long-and-short-term strategies.
RESULTS: The PhotoVoice project expanded upon specific concerns regarding mold to broader themes including stress, diseases, respiratory ailments, and security. RRs felt NYCHA failed to provide residents with safe and healthy living environments. RRs reported an average two-year wait for repairs. One RR expressed the health implications of an “unhealthy” home by photographing asthma medications with a clock, suggesting, “time is running out.”
CONCLUSION: PhotoVoice is a powerful technique for elucidating the challenges faced by NYCHA tenants living with recurring and uncontrolled mold and moisture. The findings of this study will aid advocacy initiatives to raise awareness and secure compensation for struggles faced by public housing residents.
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationAssessment of individual and community needs for health education
Environmental health sciences
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Identify at least one barrier and facilitator to housing maintenance when living in an urban public housing facilities.
Describe best practices of PhotoVoice when working with graduate students, community leaders and residents of public housing.
Explain how to align PhotoVoice projects with 2 or more Community-Based Participatory Research principles.
Keyword(s): Community-Based Research (CBPR), Environmental Justice
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As the research coordinator of this community-based participatory research project I have organized activities, developed research materials, facilitated focus groups, interviews and correspondence with community leaders and residents. In addition, I have many years experience with CBPR and housing-related public health issues.
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.