During my employment at CCHMC, I completed working on two Photovoice action research projects. We assessed at-risk mothers’ views of local programming and general health as well as those of Latina tweens (8-14 yrs old) through their own photo documentation. The website http://www.photovoice.com explains the methodology and purpose of the method, where we gave our study group cameras and ask them to photo-document their own lives. We had weekly meetings/discussions with the mothers to explain the photos and provide captions and context. A qualitative analysis of the photo descriptions and meanings helped us understand the deficits in the healthcare availability and education for these two populations in Cincinnati. At the end of the project, an exhibition showcased their photographs to local policy makers and persons who can effect change.
Griebling, S., Vaughn, L.M., Howell, B.M., Dole, D., and Ramstetter, C.L. (Submitted) From Passive to Active Voice: Using Photography as a Catalyst for Social Action. Action Research.
Vaughn, L., Forbes, J., & Howell, B. (2009). Improving Home Visitation Programs: Input from a
Participatory Evaluation Using Photovoice. Infants and Young Children, 22(2):129-142.
Vaughn, L., Rojas-Guyler, L., & Howell, B. (2008). Picturing Health: A Photovoice Pilot of Latina
Girls’ Perceptions of Health. Family and Community Health, 31(4):305-316.
Howell, B. (2007). Evidence for Interpersonal Violence or Human Sacrifice? The Case Study of
Amato, Acarí Valley, Peru. MA thesis, Department of Anthropology, University of Cincinnati.
University Microfilms, Ann Arbor.