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Using Photovoice to Explore Determinants of Health among Homeless and Unstably Housed Women

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica L. Mackelprang

    (Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 3122, Australia)

  • Janessa M. Graves

    (Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
    College of Nursing-Spokane, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99201, USA)

  • Halle M. Schulz

    (College of Nursing-Spokane, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99201, USA
    Honors College, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA)

Abstract

The lived experiences of homeless and unstably housed women, including their health-related priorities, are understudied in smaller metropolitan and rural communities. In this study, we partnered with a day center for women who experience homelessness in Spokane, Washington. We used Photovoice, a community-based participatory action research method, to explore the health-related concerns, needs, and behavior of women who are homeless or unstably housed. Participant-generated photographs and group interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were generated: “These are my supports”, “I’m trying to make my health better”, and “[My] choices are very limited”. The themes illustrated individual, interpersonal, community, and societal strengths and vulnerabilities aligned with the social ecological model. Participants demonstrated resourcefulness, creativity, and hope as they strived toward health improvement. Trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that respect the autonomy of homeless and unstably housed women and that amplify their voices are needed to minimize power imbalances in research, policy, and practice. This includes an imperative for healthcare and social work programs to ready graduates to deliver effective, empathic services by increasing their knowledge of social determinants of health and of the stigma faced by marginalized communities. Moreover, collaborating with these communities when designing, implementing, and evaluating services is critical.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica L. Mackelprang & Janessa M. Graves & Halle M. Schulz, 2024. "Using Photovoice to Explore Determinants of Health among Homeless and Unstably Housed Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:2:p:195-:d:1335539
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bernstein, R.S. & Meurer, L.N. & Plumb, E.J. & Jackson, J.L., 2015. "Diabetes and hypertension prevalence in homeless adults in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(2), pages 46-60.
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    3. Riley, E.D. & Cohen, J. & Knight, K.R. & Decker, A. & Marson, K. & Shumway, M., 2014. "Recent violence in a community-based sample of homeless and unstably housed women with high levels of psychiatric comorbidity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(9), pages 1657-1663.
    4. Wallerstein, N. & Duran, B., 2010. "Community-based participatory research contributions to intervention research: The intersection of science and practice to improve health equity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 40-46.
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