The use of a modified version of Photovoice to identify maternal dietary consumption enablers and barriers in northern Bangladesh

Purpose: To describe what maternal nutrition means to pregnant women living in rural areas of northern Bangladesh. Design: Photovoice methodology was modifi ed and used in two villages in northern Bangladesh between June and July 2012. Eight skilled community nutrition volunteers were trained participants (n 5 10) on the use of a digital camera. Participants used digital cameras to record their individual views and experiences in relation to the research question “what does maternal nutrition mean to you?” Cameras were collected and pictures printed. The participants selected 98 photographs. The community nutrition volunteers led participants through an in-depth interview process where the photographs were used to evoke a narrative. Data were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Findings: Eight major themes emerged: every day foods consumed during pregnancy; liked foods influence dietary consumption; household food production influences dietary consumption; household food production provides both sustenance and income; need for a cash income in a subsistence community; family structure infl uences dietary intake; understanding that ‘nutrition’ is important though not sure ‘why’ and support provided by non-governmental organisations. Research implications: Findings highlight that maternal dietary consumption is influenced by social, cultural and economic factors. Community-based nutrition interventions require nutrition-specific and sensitive approaches to address the root causes of undernutrition.