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Although a growing number of projects have been implemented using the community-based participatory research method known as photovoice, no known systematic review of the literature on this approach has been conducted to date. This review draws on the peer-reviewed literature on photovoice in public health and related disciplines conducted before January 2008 to determine (a) what defines the photovoice process, (b) the outcomes associated with photovoice, and (c) how the level of community participation is related to photovoice processes and outcomes. In all, 37 unduplicated articles were identified and reviewed using a descriptive coding scheme and Viswanathan et al.'s quality of participation tool. Findings reveal no relationship between group size and quality of participation but a direct relationship between the latter and project duration as well as with getting to action. More participatory projects also were associated with long-standing relationships between the community and outside researcher partners and an intensive training component. Although vague descriptions of project evaluation practices and a lack of consistent reporting precluded hard conclusions, 60% of projects reported an action component. Particularly among highly participatory projects, photovoice appears to contribute to an enhanced understanding of community assets and needs and to empowerment. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

Purpose: Although participatory action research (PAR) is increasingly viewed as an important complement to traditional investigator-driven research, relatively little PAR has taken place in which older adults have been prominent partners. This article provides a review of the literature on PAR in gerontology, highlighting key studies and their implications. Design and Methods: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and ERIC for relevant articles, supplementing our results through the bibliographies of articles identified and consultation with colleagues. This search yielded 75 articles of potential relevance, of which we selected 13 (covering 10 studies) that best adhered to the roles of PAR in gerontology. Results: PAR projects with older adults have utilized a variety of research methodologies in a broad range of social contexts. Each of the 10 studies examined illustrates several core principles of PAR. Furthermore, while suffering from some methodological limitations, each also highlights value added in terms of research quality, elders' skill building, and/or action outcomes. Implications: Involving older adults in PAR, while labor intensive and challenging, may offer promise as an underdeveloped resource for the field of social gerontology, as well as for elders themselves.

Presents findings from a multisite case study of consortia in the federal Healthy Start Initiative to reduce infant mortality in high-risk communities. Examines the facilitators of well- functioning consortia in a framework of empowerment theory and community organizing with women of color. Implications for social work practice and for policy are provided. (Contains 32 references and 2 tables.) (GCP)

The Tenderloin Senior Outreach Project (TSOP) in San Francisco facilitated the development of intentional networks among elderly residents of eight single room occupancy (SRO) hotels in an attempt to improve residents' health and well being, and to focus on social and environmental change. The 45 block Tenderloin area is one of the largest "gray ghettos" in the United States with 8,000 elderly men and women living in the deteriorating hotels. The typical resident is a white, unmarried male with few social contacts and a multiplicity of health problems. Social contact grew systematically from initial blood pressure screenings in the hotel lobbies to weekly support and discussion groups in six of the hotels. The group facilitators used Paulo Freire's problem posing educational method to help residents identify common problems, examine their root causes, and develop action plans. Crime was chosen as the key focus of group organization. Empowerment of the elderly was evidenced by the development of a Safehouse Project. Malnutrition was subsequently tackled by the seniors resulting in the establishment of a minimarket and nutrition project. The TSOP is currently a nonprofit organization with half of its board comprised of elderly Tenderloin residents. The TSOP is credited with improving community safety and individual health, and providing the residents with a sense of community, power, and control. (BL)

Brookdale Grandparent Caregiver Information Project tracked 124 community interventions/service programs for grandparents raising grandchildren. Found that, among programs, lack of funding and institutional support, and the consequent inability to provide child care, were among key obstacles faced, whereas while sponsorship by health and social service agencies often played vital role in providing in-kind support and part-time professional staff. (Author/NB)