María Urtasun, María Sandín, Paloma Conde,

Julia Díez and Manuel Franco

Research translation into food

policy recommendations using

Photovoice: a novel experience of

citizen science in Madrid.

Photovoice is a project co-funded by

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation into

food policy recommendations

This research translation study was part of the Heart Healthy

Hoods Photovoice project (http://hhhproject.eu/photovoice/project/ )

Overarching Goal:

To translate research findings to foster policy change to

improve the food environment of a deprived area of Madrid.

Specific aim:

To translate the findings of a food environment participatory

research project into urban food policy recommendations.

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Process: overview

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Photovoice Villaverde: steps 1,2,3

Setting Two neighborhoods of a low-incomearea in Madrid (Spain).

Participants

- 24 adult men and women living in the studyarea.

- Co-facilitators (academic- researchers and health promotion practicioners).

Procedure.

- Participants took pictures of featuresrelated to their local food environment.

- During 5 group meetings, they analyzed their photographs identifying barriers and opportunities for healthy eating.

Findings:

- 163 pictures 32 emergent categories.

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation process: step 4

Participants and co-facilitators met twice to translate these findings into policy recommendations aiming to improve the local food environment.

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation process: step 4

Methods:

1. Conducting a problems and objectives analysis, using an adapted logical framework approach.

2. Identifying root and causes of both :

a) positive environment features to be encouraged

b) negative environment characteristics to be addressed/changed.

Problem/cause:

Roots:

Shortage of food retailers

Insufficient access to variety of food with suitable quality and price

Low competition between businesses higher prices

Low quality food supply

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation process: step 4

Methods:

3. To turn identified problems on solutions/objectives to be achieved.

Promoting small food retailersInsufficient access to variety of

food with suitable quality and price

4. Prioritization process taking into account:

a) Time (score: 1-5)

b) Impact (score: 1-5)

c) Feasibility (score: 1-5)

d) Cost (score: 1-5)

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation process: step 4

Results: 11 food environment recommendations were selected and ranked.

Classification regarding food environment framework:

Determinants of diet Recommendations (ranking)

Macro level determinants of diet:(public policies, culture and norms or marketing).

- Offering local leisure time activities to avoid unhealthier options as snacking and drinking alcohol and sodas (1)

- Improving nutrition labels (7)- Promoting healthy social networks for older people (10) - Giving street vendors legal status (11).

Organizational food environment: (work, schools, food banks)

- Improving food banks management (2)- Reducing food waste (6)- Healthier alternatives to workplace vending machines (8)- Importance of food education in schools (9).

Community food environment and Consumer food environment: (access, availability,accessibility,affordability, acceptability)

- Reactivating traditional market and small retailers (3)- Improving food hygiene conditions (4)- Promoting the availability of organic and foods for people with

special needs (e.g. diabetes and celiac disease) (5).

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation process: step 5

Dissemination strategy: to keep community, participants and policy makers aware and involved.

a) Study website hhhproject.eu/photovoicewhich includes an interactive cartographical application.

b) Colored photobook featuring 31 selected photographs and corresponding narratives

c) Photographic exhibition, with the exhibit touring to attract diverse audiences.

d) Video explaining the study design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzECcbE7OV8.

e) Appearances in local and national mass media, including press and radio.

f) Scientific dissemination.

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation process: step 6

Advocacy and dissemination: to inform and involved community, social

organizations and policy makers.

We held an open citizen science meeting in December 2015:

Participants reported to local policymakers their findings and

suggested their 11 policy and environmental recommendations for

improving their local food environment.

http://hhhproject.eu/phtotovoice

Research translation process: step 6

Next steps:

- Writting a urban food policy recommendations report to

policy makers (ongoing).

- Writting at least 5 scientific papers (ongoing).

- Planing exhibit touring to attract and increase the

awareness of diverse audiences. (ongoing)

- Reinforce the partnership (multidisciplinary researchers,

community, health promotion practitioners and policy

makers of the City Hall of Madrid)