Qualitative methods to explore health issues among young moldovans

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of health-related issues among youth residing in Chişinău, Moldova, through a combination of photovoice and focus group methodologies. During June, 2011, 13 youth, aged 10 to 17, participated in photovoice and focus group sessions. Participants were instructed to take between 10 and 20 photographs, over a 7 day period, representing health-related issues in their community. During focus group sessions, participants, as a group, were asked to sort photographs into piles based on similarly and/or themes. The SHOWeD mnemonic method was used to guide discussion about photographs from a personal to social level. Content analyses were used to summarize and interpret collected data. Seven common themes emerged across both focus groups, including: (1) abundance of garbage in public spaces; (2) homeless dogs wandering the streets; (3) unsafe drinking water; (4) individuals engaging in risky health behaviors, including cigarette smoking and alcohol use; (5) large number of individuals with limited financial resources; (6) considerable number of individuals forced to live in suboptimal living conditions; and (7) poor road and sidewalk conditions. CBPR methods, including photovoice and focus groups, offer promise in gathering valuable information to inform health-related policy in Moldova in the future.