Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework

Abstract Background Children are amongst the most susceptible groups to environmental exposures, for both immediate and life‐course health outcomes. Despite their increased susceptibility, children's knowledge, experiences and voices are understudied. A deeper understanding of children's e...

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Main Authors: Nadav L. Sprague, Hannah M. Zonnevylle, Lexi Jackson Hall, Rosalind Williams, Hannah Dains, Donghai Liang, Christine C. Ekenga
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2023-10-01
Series:Health Expectations
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13776
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author Nadav L. Sprague
Hannah M. Zonnevylle
Lexi Jackson Hall
Rosalind Williams
Hannah Dains
Donghai Liang
Christine C. Ekenga
author_facet Nadav L. Sprague
Hannah M. Zonnevylle
Lexi Jackson Hall
Rosalind Williams
Hannah Dains
Donghai Liang
Christine C. Ekenga
author_sort Nadav L. Sprague
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Children are amongst the most susceptible groups to environmental exposures, for both immediate and life‐course health outcomes. Despite their increased susceptibility, children's knowledge, experiences and voices are understudied. A deeper understanding of children's environmental health perceptions has the potential to better inform policy, develop targeted interventions and improve public health outcomes. Methods In this study, our community–academic partnership used the Photovoice research method to examine how urban children from low‐income communities perceive environmental influences on their health. Twenty children, ages 10–12, took photographs and participated in focus group interviews regarding their perspectives on how the environment influences their health. Results Qualitative analyses revealed five major thematic categories: environmental exposures, environmental health sentiments, environmental health outcomes, interest in environmental health and environmental health solutions. We used the findings to develop an environmental health perspective theoretical framework that can inform future work designed to promote the environmental health and well‐being of children from low‐income communities in urban communities. Conclusion Photovoice enabled children from low‐income communities to capture and communicate their environmental health perceptions. These findings have the potential to inform and identify potential targets and opportunities for environmental health interventions and promotion in their communities. Patient or Public Contribution Partnerships with community‐based organizations were central to the present study. By design, these community‐based partners were involved in the conduct and procedures of the study.
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spelling doaj.art-1dcbc208a7984b3f833095ca4584124e2023-09-08T04:49:55ZengWileyHealth Expectations1369-65131369-76252023-10-012651832184210.1111/hex.13776Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and frameworkNadav L. Sprague0Hannah M. Zonnevylle1Lexi Jackson Hall2Rosalind Williams3Hannah Dains4Donghai Liang5Christine C. Ekenga6Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University New York City New York USAGateway to the Great Outdoors St. Louis Missouri USAGateway to the Great Outdoors St. Louis Missouri USAGateway to the Great Outdoors St. Louis Missouri USAGateway to the Great Outdoors St. Louis Missouri USAGangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta Georgia USAGangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health Emory University Atlanta Georgia USAAbstract Background Children are amongst the most susceptible groups to environmental exposures, for both immediate and life‐course health outcomes. Despite their increased susceptibility, children's knowledge, experiences and voices are understudied. A deeper understanding of children's environmental health perceptions has the potential to better inform policy, develop targeted interventions and improve public health outcomes. Methods In this study, our community–academic partnership used the Photovoice research method to examine how urban children from low‐income communities perceive environmental influences on their health. Twenty children, ages 10–12, took photographs and participated in focus group interviews regarding their perspectives on how the environment influences their health. Results Qualitative analyses revealed five major thematic categories: environmental exposures, environmental health sentiments, environmental health outcomes, interest in environmental health and environmental health solutions. We used the findings to develop an environmental health perspective theoretical framework that can inform future work designed to promote the environmental health and well‐being of children from low‐income communities in urban communities. Conclusion Photovoice enabled children from low‐income communities to capture and communicate their environmental health perceptions. These findings have the potential to inform and identify potential targets and opportunities for environmental health interventions and promotion in their communities. Patient or Public Contribution Partnerships with community‐based organizations were central to the present study. By design, these community‐based partners were involved in the conduct and procedures of the study.https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13776environmental exposuresenvironmental justiceoutdoor educationparticipatory action research
spellingShingle Nadav L. Sprague
Hannah M. Zonnevylle
Lexi Jackson Hall
Rosalind Williams
Hannah Dains
Donghai Liang
Christine C. Ekenga
Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework
Health Expectations
environmental exposures
environmental justice
outdoor education
participatory action research
title Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework
title_full Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework
title_fullStr Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework
title_full_unstemmed Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework
title_short Environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low‐income communities: A qualitative photovoice study and framework
title_sort environmental health perceptions of urban youth from low income communities a qualitative photovoice study and framework
topic environmental exposures
environmental justice
outdoor education
participatory action research
url https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13776
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