This was a prospective qualitative community-based participatory research study involving young women (ages 15-25 years) recruited from a local youth outreach center. A 9-step validated qualitative participatory approach that combined documentary photography with focus groups was used. Qualitative analysis was conducted with NVivo version 10 software (QSR International Inc., Burlington, MA, USA). Data were coded and themes were developed.
Thirty women were recruited and nine women completed the study. Key themes included: personal sexual health practices and coping skills, influence of poverty, physical environments, community resources and sexual health services, education, and stigma of pregnancy. Participating in community-based participatory research empowered participants to advocate for their own health.
Photovoice methodology contributes to understanding complex factors influencing sexual and reproductive health of young mothers. This participatory-based methodology highlights their individual situations, allowing us to seek connections, create analytical perspectives from which to relate their situations to root causes, and consider strategies for change.