Dataset Information

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 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.

SUBMITTER: Sprague NL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10485307 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

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

Sprague Nadav L NL Zonnevylle Hannah M HM Jackson Hall Lexi L Williams Rosalind R Dains Hannah H Liang Donghai D Ekenga Christine C CC

Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy 20230614 5

<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>In this study, our community-academic partnership used ...[more]

PMID: 37317064

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Project description:ObjectiveDietary patterns describe the dietary behaviour and habits of individuals. Unhealthy dietary patterns provide individuals with limited nutrients while increasing the risk of nutrition-related diseases. Unhealthy dietary patterns are high in urban areas, especially among low-income urban residents. This study examined dietary patterns in three low-income urban communities in Accra, Ghana, between 2011 and 2013.MethodsThis study used Wave 2 and 3 data from the Urban Health and Poverty Survey (EDULINK 2011 and 2013). The sample size was 960 in 2011 and 782 in 2013. Dietary pattern was examined using factor analysis and the NOVA food classification system. Summary statistics were computed for sociodemographic characteristics and diet frequency and pattern. Differences in dietary behaviours between 2011 and 2013 were also estimated. Three logistic regression models were computed to determine the predictors of dietary patterns.ResultsThe frequency of consumption of animal-source foods (ASF) and fruits was higher in 2013 compared with 2011. The intake of processed culinary ingredients (NOVA Group 2), processed foods (NOVA Group 3) and ultra-processed foods (NOVA Group 4) was higher in 2013 versus 2011. In 2013, 29% consumed ultra-processed foods compared to 21% in 2011. Three dietary patterns (rice-based, snack-based, and staple and stew/soup) were identified. About two out of every five participants consumed the food items in the rice (43%) and staple and sauce patterns (40%). The proportion of participants who consumed the food items in the snack pattern was 35% in 2011 but 41% in 2013. Respondents aged 25-34 and those with higher education often consumed the snack-based and rice-based dietary patterns. In 2013, participants in Ussher Town had a higher probability of consuming food items in the snack pattern than those living in Agbogbloshie.ConclusionsThis study found that between 2011 and 2013, more participants consumed ASFs, fruits, and processed foods. A complex interplay of personal and socio-cultural factors influenced dietary intake. The findings of this study mirror global changes in diet and food systems, with important implications for the primary and secondary prevention of NCDs. Health promotion programs at the community level are needed to address the increasing levels of processed food consumption.

Project description:BackgroundYouth problem behaviors remain a public health issue. Youth in low-income, urban areas are particularly at risk for engaging in aggressive, violent, and disruptive behaviors.PurposeTo evaluate the effects of a school-based social-emotional learning and health promotion program on problem behaviors and related attitudes among low-income, urban youth.DesignA matched-pair, cluster RCT.Setting/participantsParticipants were drawn from 14 Chicago Public Schools over a 6-year period of program delivery with outcomes assessed for a cohort of youth followed from Grades 3 to 8. Data were collected from Fall 2004 to Spring 2010, and analyzed in Spring 2012.InterventionThe Positive Action program includes a scoped and sequenced K-12 classroom curriculum with six components: self-concept, social and emotional positive actions for managing oneself responsibly, and positive actions directed toward physical and mental health, honesty, getting along with others, and continually improving oneself. The program also includes teacher, counselor, family, and community training as well as activities directed toward schoolwide climate development.Main outcome measuresYouth reported on their normative beliefs in support of aggression and on their bullying, disruptive, and violent behaviors; parents rated youths' bullying behaviors and conduct problems; schoolwide data on disciplinary referrals and suspensions were obtained from school records.ResultsMultilevel growth-curve modeling analyses conducted on completion of the trial indicated that Positive Action mitigated increases over time in (1) youth reports of normative beliefs supporting aggressive behaviors and of engaging in disruptive behavior and bullying (girls only) and (2) parent reports of youth bullying behaviors (boys only). At study end-point, students in Positive Action schools also reported a lower rate of violence-related behavior than students in control schools. Schoolwide findings indicated positive program effects on both disciplinary referrals and suspensions. Program effect sizes ranged from -0.26 to -0.68.ConclusionsThese results extend evidence of the effectiveness of the Positive Action program to low-income, minority, urban school settings, and to middle school-aged youth.

Dataset Information

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

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Patient or public contribution

Publications

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

Similar Datasets

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