Exploring Mexican adolescents' perceptions of environmental health risks: a photographic approach to risk analysis

Ciência & Saúde Coletiva

Susanne Börner¹  Juan Carlos Torrico Albino¹  Luz María Nieto Caraveo¹  Ana Cristina Cubillas Tejeda¹ 

关键词: Risk perception;    Environmental health risks;    Photography;    Adolescent health;    Environmental education;    Percepção de risco;    Riscos de saúde ambiental;    Fotografia;    Saúde do adolescente;    Educação ambiental;   

DOI  :  10.1590/1413-81232015205.11382014

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The objective of this study was to explore Mexican adolescents' perceptions of environmental health risks in contaminated urban areas, and to test the environmental photography technique as a research tool for engaging adolescents in community-based health research. The study was conducted with 74 adolescents from two communities in the city of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Participants were provided with disposable cameras and asked to take photographs of elements and situations which they believed affected their personal health both at home and outside their homes. They were also asked to describe each photograph in writing. Photographs and written explanations were analyzed by using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Risk perception plays a crucial role in the development of Risk Communication Programs (RCPs) aimed at the improvement of community health. The photography technique opens up a promising field for environmental health research since it affords a realistic and concise impression of the perceived risks. Adolescents in both communities perceived different environmental health risks as detrimental to their well-being, e.g. waste, air pollution, and lack of hygiene. Yet, some knowledge gaps remain which need to be addressed.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
 All the contents of this journal, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License