A3.03 - Oral: How to Reach Racial Equity?--using Photovoice to Explore College Students' Viewpoints

Brief Abstract Summary: Explore college students' perspectives on racial equity using photovoice, evoke their critical thinking to address racial disparity via photo discussions, highlight their concerns about the enlarged racial disparities in recent years, and call for collaborative work to advance racial equity.

Detailed abstract description:

Background: Racial disparity is a long-lasting public health issue in the United States (US). Although anti-racism policies and education campaigns have been developed and implemented nationally and locally, more efforts are needed to reach racial equity.

Objective: This study utilizes photovoice to explore US college students' perspectives on racial equity. Photovoice is a qualitative research method that engages participants through photo taking and photo discussions. It can potentially influence policymakers and stakeholders through photo exhibitions. In this study, we hope to highlight college students' voice on racial equity.

Methods: This study was conducted in North Carolina through both online and in-person recruitment. A total of 10 college students completed the photovoice activities in 2023. At the beginning of this study, we provided participants with a brief introduction on the photovoice methodology and the ethical use of cameras. Participants had about two weeks to take 10-20 photos that represented their viewpoints of racial equity. Then we scheduled follow-up interviews (about 30 minutes) for participants to explain their photos, express their opinions on racial disparities, and provide recommendations on how to improve racial equity. Photo discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.

Results: This study identified five main themes related to racial equity, including 1) high-quality educational opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, 2) access to high-quality health care, 3) food security for people living in disadvantaged communities, 4) inclusive campus environments and engaging activities for students with different cultural backgrounds, and 5) personal and environmental safety (e.g., clean water, free of environmental hazards, free of violence and crimes). However, participants also expressed their concerns that racial disparities were enlarged in recent years and racial equity may not be reached in the near future.

Conclusions: Through the photovoice methodology, this study highlights college students' perspectives on racial disparity and evoke their critical thinking to address this public health issue. While college students propose potential strategies for advancing racial equity, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are recommended to work together to address their concerns on racial disparities.