Postdoc SSRI, Duke University Durham, North Carolina, United States
Full Description:
Purpose: Safe and stable environments are critical for youth’s well-being and development. The purpose of this study was to explore factors contributing to youth’s safe feelings in their communities using photovoice, a qualitative method highlighting youth’s engagement and critical thinking.
Methods: This photovoice study was conducted in Florida via online and in-person recruitment. After a training session on the ethical/technical use of cameras and a brief introduction of photovoice methodology, six adolescents (aged 12-18) completed photo taking in their communities and discussed their photos guided by a revised SHOWeD framework. A total of 66 photos were collected. Photo discussions were recorded and abridged transcripts were used to match photos with corresponding discussions. A code list was developed, and main themes were identified after coding.
Results: This study identified four main themes related to youth’s safe perceptions, including 1) community protective factors (n=22 photos) such as safe physical environments and high levels of community cohesion; 2) family protective factors (n=14 photos) including a safe home and caring parents; 3) traffic safety (n=14 photos) such as proper road signs, seat belts for car safety, and helmets and locks for bicycle safety; and 4) public safety (n=8 photos) such as emergency numbers, fire departments, and police cars and officers.
Conclusions: This photovoice study provides insights for future intervention programs to promote community safety for children and adolescents from community, family, traffic, and societal perspectives.
Abbreviated Description: Community safety is critical for youth’s well-being and development. The purpose of this study was to explore factors contributing to youth’s safe feelings in their communities using photovoice. After photo taking and photo discussions by six adolescents, main factors associated with youth’s safe perceptions were identified through thematic analysis, including community-level protective factors (e.g., safe physical environments, high levels of community cohesion), family-level protective factors (e.g., safe home, caring parents), traffic safety (e.g., proper road signs, seat belts, helmets), and public safety (e.g., emergency numbers, fire departments). This study provides insights for future health promotion programs to improve community safety for children and adolescents.
