Black Veterans Experiences with and Recommendations for Improving Weight-Related Health Care: A Photovoice Study

BackgroundNon-Hispanic Black or African American (hereafter Black) veterans lose less weight than other users of the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) weight management program (MOVE!), despite higher enrollment.ObjectiveTo understand factors that affect weight loss disparities between Black veterans and other veterans.DesignQualitative study using Photovoice methods.ParticipantsSelf-identified Black veterans in MOVE! across the USA (two women, seven men).ApproachWe conducted six virtual Photovoice sessions with Black veterans. Session one provided orientation to the goal of understanding factors that might affect weight loss disparities. Participants chose missions related to weight management and VHA care, bringing photos or other media (e.g., poems) to discuss during remaining sessions. Facilitators/participants identified themes related to each session in real time. Between and after sessions, facilitators/investigators conducted rapid qualitative analysis of transcripts/audio to group similar themes, identify illustrative quotes/photos/other media, and prepare dissemination products (e.g., this manuscript). Participants provided feedback on the manuscript during an additional session.Key ResultsThemes were identified across three categories: (1) Food in Our Lives and Health Care; (2) Body Image; and (3) Healthcare Bias and Discrimination. The emotional impact of food and the negative effects of bias and discrimination on health care quality and trust were especially salient. Participants provided recommendations for weight-related and general care. Notable recommendations included the need for VHA to hire and retain providers-especially Black providers-who understand and respect Black patients and are committed to delivering evidence-based, culturally sensitive care. In addition, weight management care should be tailored to individual patients' diets and health beliefs and deemphasize body mass index.ConclusionsPhotovoice resulted in concrete targets that could reduce health disparities. Institutions should consider Photovoice and similar approaches to build trust with and incorporate input from marginalized communities. This approach requires sustained commitment from leaders to engage stakeholders and implement solutions.