Participatory Photo-mapping: Built Environment Community Assessment for Healthy Eating and Active Living
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify factors within the built environment of a community that either facilitated or inhibited healthy eating and physical activity prospects within Logan County, Oklahoma.Methods: Participants were recruited from Logan County, Oklahoma, and were current residents. Data was collected via Participatory Research methods, including PhotoVoice, Geographic Information Systems, and Participatory Photo-Mapping. Using smartphones, participants took photographs of factors that either facilitated or inhibited healthy eating and physical activity; photographs were then mapped on Geographic Information Systems software according to the coordinates of picture location on their smartphone. A facilitated discussion was then held with the group of participants to discuss photographed factors of the built environment and their perceived effect on healthy lifestyles. Common themes were determined based on group discussion of facilitators and barriers. Results: Participants resolved that access, finance, and social support were underlying themes regarding facilitation and/or inhibition of healthy eating and active living opportunities within Logan County, Oklahoma. Factors within these themes served as facilitators, but when perceived as limited or inadequate, functioned as barriers.Conclusion: Participatory Research methods, specifically Participatory Photo-Mapping, is a useful tool to assess the built environment of a community to determine its effects on local healthy living. In relation to Logan County, Oklahoma, it was found that the primary barriers to healthy eating and active living could be attributed to deficient resources regarding access, finance, and social support. County and community leaders should explore opportunities to enhance healthy eating and active living by increasing healthy food selection and advertising, as well as awareness of locally-grown food sale, seeking additional funding prospects to build sidewalks, update, and maintain public physical activity areas, and formalizing joint-use agreements at each school site.
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- OSU Theses [15752]