Capturing the moment: a snapshot review of contemporary food environment research featuring participatory photography methods

Abstract

This snapshot review captures recent advances in the use of participatory photography methods within food environment research, featuring 28 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2022. Records were retrieved from a systematic search of the databases PubMed and Scopus. Studies featured high income (64%) and low- and middle-income countries (36%). Local and school food environments were common focal sites, with studies typically investigating how food environments influence food acquisition and consumption practices among adult and adolescent consumers. Photovoice was the dominant methodological framing (71%), although we found substantial variation in study designs, camera devices and degree of participation. Going forward, we encourage researchers and practitioners to revisit the roots of participatory photography as a participatory action research strategy, to engage participants as agents of change in their food environment in support of the sustainable transformation of food systems and improved diets, nutrition and health.