Health in our school: a photovoice project

Purpose Photovoice is a group analysis method that falls into the category of participatory action research. Photovoice has been used for health education research with young people across the world. As part of a wider study, the aim of this paper was to use the photovoice methodology to gain an insight into the views of students in Ireland taking part in the health literacy intervention LifeLab on health in their school. Design/methodology/approach As part of the wider study, one school participated in data collection. This involved 5 class groups with a total of 121 students (75 males and 46 females) and 5 teachers (1 male and 4 females). The students were all in their second year of post-primary school, between the ages of 13 and 14. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected. Findings Two main themes were identified: (1) through the adolescent lens: youth health challenges and (2) beyond a picture: a call to action. Within these themes, there were a number of sub-themes. Originality/value This study highlighted the prominent issues students are facing within schools in relation to health development. Photovoice enabled the young people to express their concerns, as well as possible solutions to the health problems students face within schools and their wider community.