How can researchers learn more about the social determinants of HIV to reduce risk among vulnerable teens? Hand those teens a camera and let them photograph the risks and assets they see in their community, says Briana Woods-Jaeger, assistant professor of community and behavioral health.

Numerous studies indicate African American youth are among those at highest risk for contracting HIV. In a study published in Qualitative Health Research, Woods-Jaeger’s research team employed photovoice, a community-based participatory research method using photography to highlight community concerns, to identify the HIV risk factors faced by African American teens in one North Carolina community.

The researchers worked with one group of seven girls and one group of five boys. Each group developed its own questions to answer as photo assignments and received disposable cameras to document challenges that increased their HIV risk. Then each group participated in facilitated discussions of their photos, expressing both the problems they saw and possible solutions.

The researchers analyzed transcripts of the photo discussions and grouped the identified risks under three themes: being “stuck” due to limited opportunities, adults and social institutions not caring, and stereotypes and low expectations becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

While other studies have looked at HIV risks among African American youth, Woods-Jaeger said that using photovoice got participants directly involved in the process and made it more locally relevant. “Photovoice has been shown to be empowering with youth,” says Woods-Jaeger. “The teens’ keen understanding of these large-scale issues and wanting to be a part of the solution was really striking.” As part of the photovoice process, participants developed action steps that are now being implemented, including youth leadership and advocacy training and raising awareness of the impact of stereotyping.