Participatory Photo Mapping: A Method for Exploring Physical Activity Among Latino Girls

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis: The Physical Activity Partnership for Girls (PG) is developing an intervention to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and decrease sedentary behavior among Latino girls (11-14 years) in the San Antonio Westside. PG utilizes community input and collaborations with a local Girl Scout (GS) council and a promotora network for intervention development.

Methods: The formative assessment included a youth-led research method to to inform the design of a culturally relevant intervention to improve uptake and maintenance of physical activity (PA) among middle school girls. Academic researchers trained GS staff and troop leaders in recruitment procedures and implementation of activities with girls. An innovative technique, Participatory Photo Mapping (PPM), was used to engage this population in sharing their perspectives on PA and displaying their ideas using various forms of media. PPM used traditional Photovoice techniques in conjunction with global positioning system (GPS) units.

Results: The Photovoice component allowed girls to express their thoughts and opinions about enablers and barriers to PA in their neighborhoods using photographs, group discussions, and researcher-led focus groups. The GPS units enabled them to connect their photographs and the qualitative data to specific locations in their neighborhoods using geographic information systems (GIS). Girls’ photos and stories were displayed as a layer of a neighborhood map.  This technique empowered girls to guide the research by sharing their experiences and perspectives regarding PA and place (e.g., community or neighborhood). Girls then presented their ideas, photographs, and the final map at photo exhibition to key stakeholders and community members at a community retreat.

Conclusions: PPM, an innovative method, allowed researchers to gain girls perspective on PA using different forms of media.

Implications for research and/or practice: Implications for practice are utilizing this innovative method not only to inform the development of an intervention, but also to help program development.