Exploring the concept of health among adolescents with diabetes using photography

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the concept of health among adolescents with diabetes. Photography was used to facilitate communication. Participants were given Polaroid cameras with instructions to take pictures illustrating health. They were then asked to explain in writing how their pictures demonstrated the concept. The participants produced 46 pictures and 53 descriptive expressions, which were analyzed for content. Health was described as energy, positive feelings, absence of illness, strength, activity, fitness, mental ability, and relationships. There were also descriptions of what one does to be healthy, which included eating nutritious food, exercising, engaging in diabetes-related care, sleeping, studying, relaxing, maintaining hygiene, and obtaining shelter.