Spencer RA, McIsaac JLD, Stewart M, Brushett S, Kirk SFL. Food in Focus: Youth Exploring Food in Schools Using Photovoice.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019;
51:1011-1019. [PMID:
31208853 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2019.05.599]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
As part of a study exploring school food environments, this study aimed to understand youth perspectives of school food.
DESIGN
Photovoice, a qualitative visual methodology, was used to engage participants through photo-taking, with goals of enabling reflection, promoting dialogue, and facilitating change.
SETTING
Participants were recruited through 2 youth-focused community organizations in Nova Scotia, Canada.
PARTICIPANTS
Seven youths took part: 3 from a rural area and 4 from an urban center.
PHENOMENON OF INTEREST
Youth perspectives on school food environments.
ANALYSIS
The photovoice process of selecting, contextualizing (using the SHOWeD method), and codifying was used for analysis.
RESULTS
Four themes were identified. First, spaces and places were important to youth food experiences. Second, key components of food environments were identified as quality, variety, time, and price. Third, the relation between food and social influence was highlighted. Fourth, the importance of amplifying youth voice was discussed.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Youth emphasized a desire for greater variety and quality in affordable school food options and the opportunity to be involved in decision-making regarding school food. Future research in other contexts and across larger samples is warranted to extend these findings to help inform stakeholders in school food policy and program implementation.
Collapse