KM-Photovoice

Overview

The proposed research uses community-based participatory research (CBPR) and photovoice methods to understand the experience of perinatal depression. CBPR can be defined as a methodology that equitably engages partners throughout all phases of the research process.

Rationale

The research and use of the photovoice method champions both perinatal women and lay counsellors, as participant researchers, who will co-create strategies to promote perinatal mental health. The goal of this work is to develop culturally safe strategies for perinatal depression, including screening tools, and adapt our intervention programs. We define culturally safe care as health care that recognizes and addresses power differentials in social structures and empowers people through shared decision-making. Culturally safe care is care that is acceptable to patients and their communities and is gauged by progress toward health equity.

Progress till date

40 pregnant women were recruited in the study to capture photographs that highlight the lived experience of pregnancy and perinatal depression. The team conducted a photo exhibition at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur for dissemination.

Output 

A photo exhibition of 100 photographs captured by pregnant women highlighting lived experiences of pregnancy and depression.

Partner/s

• Mata Jai Kaur Maternal and Child Health Centre, Rajasthan, India

• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK

• Mount Royal University, Calgary, Canada

• Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada

• University of Ottawa, Canada