Research translation into food policy recommendations using Photovoice: a novel experience of citizen science in Madrid
Abstract
Food environment has been related with overweight and obesity, especially in deprived or underserved neighborhoods. Designing and implementing public policies to improve the food environment is a complex issue where the... [ view full abstract ]
Food environment has been related with overweight and obesity, especially in deprived or underserved neighborhoods. Designing and implementing public policies to improve the food environment is a complex issue where the involvement of different actors as researchers, decision makers, and citizens is warranted. This approach to public policy development is strongly encouraged by research agencies and is named “Citizen Science”. Our aim was to develop recommendations based on residents’ priorities to improve the food environment of a low-income area in Madrid (Spain).
We conducted this project throughout 2015, as part of the Heart Healthy Hoods project (hhhproject.eu). 24 residents, between 40 and 75 years of age, living in the study area were asked to photograph all the features related to the food environment in their neighborhoods. During group meetings, they analyzed their photographs identifying barriers and opportunities for healthy eating. Participants identified 32 emergent categories related to the local food environment.
After coding and analysis, participants and researchers met twice to translate all these results into policy recommendations aiming to improve the local food environment. We conducted a problems and objectives analysis, using an adapted logical framework approach. Through a prioritization process taking into account time, impact, feasibility and cost, participants and researchers selected a total of 16 recommendations for both neighborhoods.
In a well attended citizen science meeting, participants presented and discussed 6 of the 16 recommendations with residents, high-rank local politicians and researchers. 6 recommendations: 1) Improving local leisure facilities; 2) Improving food banks management; 3) Reactivating traditional market and small retailers; 4) Improving food hygiene conditions; 5) Improving the availability of organic and special needs foods and 6) Reducing food waste.
Residents involved in this participatory action research project acknowledged it as highly rewarding and fruitful experience to improve their own views and actions over their neighborhoods.
Authors
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Maria Urtasun
(Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.)
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Maria Sandin
(Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.)
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Paloma Conde
(Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.)
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Julia Diez
(Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.)
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Manuel Franco
(Social and Cardiovascular Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.)
Topic Areas
VI. Research and action 6.1 Collaboration; interaction of researchers; stakeholders 6.2 S , VII. Urban health policies 7.1 Governance and policy frameworks 7.2 Health in all policies
Session
EFA-O-12 » Evidence for Action in Policy and Programs (08:00 - Monday, 4th April, TBA)
Paper
Abstract_ICUH2016_Recommendations_Final.doc
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