Understanding the Potential of a Short-Term Participatory Video Project for Long-Term Change

Participatory video (PV) allows communities to explore issues of concern by making short videos. PV has been used in public health research by focusing the topic of video-making on a specific health issue in order to both raise awareness of this issue and to support communities to effect change with regard to this issue. Although evaluations of PV-in-health approaches yield positive findings in terms of community empowerment, it is difficult to measure changes in behaviour regarding the focal topic. This is important in the context of public health, as the impact of an intervention often determines its future usage. This study discusses a rare opportunity to consider the longer-term impacts of a PV project on the topic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Thematic analysis of a focus group discussion conducted with six PV participants demonstrates a retention of accurate knowledge about AMR over two years after original engagement. Participants reported changes in their own attitudes and practices around antibiotic and pesticide use, and described how they advocate for behaviour change in their wider communities.

Findings also speak to the legacy of PV. While over time, videos may have impact through being viewed by others, participation in the project was also shown to have lasting legacy. Participants developed knowledge and changed attitudes on the topic, which continues to impact their behaviour. Beyond having co-produced the videos, participants are now experts in the video topic, and as such their opinions and actions represent a distinct, measurable impact of the PV process.