Analysis of participatory photojournalism in a widely disseminated skin cancer prevention program

Health Promot Pract. 2011 Sep;12(5):666-72. doi: 10.1177/1524839910369069. Epub 2010 Apr 26.

Abstract

This article describes the content of pictures submitted to a photo contest as part of a nationally disseminated skin cancer prevention program called Pool Cool. The aims of this analysis are to describe sun-safety behaviors and environmental supports depicted in the photos and to gain insight into pool staff perceptions of the program. A directed approach was used to assess the content of 1,886 photos submitted in 2005 and 2006. Staying in the shade and applying sunscreen were the most common sun-safety behaviors shown among children. Among adults and lifeguards, wearing sunglasses and a shirt with sleeves were most common. Most photos contained at least one sun-safety support, and half showed use of Pool Cool program materials. Most photos promoted the use of Pool Cool materials, sun-safety behaviors, or sun-safe pool environments. Participatory photojournalism is a low-cost and effective way to generate widespread interest and support for community health promotion programs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Journalism*
  • Photography*
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*