Visual and participatory research techniques: photo-elicitation and its potential to better inform public health about physical activity and eating behavior in underserved populations

摘要

Aim A healthier America depends on the development of strategies and interventions that are inclusive of and attentive to the needs of at-risk groups. This commentary seeks to contribute to the discussion of such interventions by advocating for the use of photo-elicitation (PE) as a research tool that can enhance the impact of studies targeting health behaviors such as physical activity and diet.Subject and Methods This commentary discusses the extent to which PE may enhance the quality and outcomes of research studies that aim to understand health behavior in underserved groups. We describe some of the advantages and disadvantages of the application of PE in public health research. This analysis is timely because public health researchers and practitioners are currently engaged in efforts to better understand health behaviors in specific racial and ethnic groups in an attempt to mitigate health disparities.