“Picturing” Health

The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot participatory needs assessment, using Photovoice to engage in a critical dialogue with preadolescent Latina girls about their perceptions of health and immediate health concerns. Seven Latina girls participated in the Photovoice study and held a photography exhibition for the community to display their photographs and quotes from their discussions. Eight themes about being healthy emerged. Conducting a needs assessment, which concentrates on the voices and needs of these girls, can be the first step to creating successful and cost-efficient programs and interventions specifically suited to this group.