Photovoice as a Methodology in Obesity Research: A Scoping Review

Photovoice is a community-based participatory research methodology that empowers participants to document and reflect on their lived experiences through photography. This scoping review examines the use of Photovoice in obesity research to explore the contexts in which it has been used, its application, and key themes in the literature to date.

Eligible studies were peer-reviewed primary research published since 1997 that used Photovoice (with the process described) to collect empirical data from people with lived experience of obesity as the primary focus and were available in English, French, or Portuguese. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in six databases, yielding 387 records, with 32 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Key data, including study location, participant demographics, Photovoice methodology, and findings, were extracted and synthesized.

Most studies were conducted in North America within community settings, predominantly with minority populations. Four key themes emerged: environmental influences, facilitators and barriers to healthy living, mental health and well-being, and perceptions of obesity. Although findings align with other research methodologies, Photovoice uniquely highlights participant voices and fosters critical community engagement.

Photovoice is a valuable tool for obesity research, amplifying participant perspectives and contextual insights in ways more traditional methods may overlook. Future research should expand geographic and demographic diversity and adapt Photovoice for virtual formats to broaden its accessibility and explore its impact on participants, policy, and practice change.