Photovoice: A Research Method and Intervention to Engage Older Adults

The purpose of the current article is to describe the use of photovoice with individuals from vulnerable population groups. Ten African American men and women ages 66 to 72 with heart failure from three different low income public housing facilities were recruited for participation in a qualitative photovoice project. Participants were given 5 weeks to take photographs of images that represented facilitators of and barriers to engaging in self-care behaviors. Each week, participants met as a group to discuss the photographs and their meanings to other participants. The photovoice method was empowering to participants, easy to use, and shown to be appropriate within African American older adults with heart failure. The photovoice method assisted in providing the opportunity for this vulnerable population to share their personal beliefs and perspectives. Use of this method assisted in identification of themes that represented facilitators of and barriers to engaging in self-care and was effective in meeting the specific aims of the research project. Findings from the current study support photovoice as a valuable method to use with vulnerable individuals with chronic conditions