Modelling the determinants of health and cancers as perceived by children: using imagery as a mediator of expression and narration

OBJECTIVES: To model and analyse conceptions of determinants of health and cancer that are expressed and perceived by school children aged 6–11 based on a multiphase qualitative protocol. METHODOLOGY: This is a multicentric, qualitative study of human and social sciences conducted among school children aged 6–11 years old. Two different tools were used, e. Photoexpression and Photonarration, in four French schools. This innovative and exploratory method addresses global health during the first phase (e. Photoexpression) and the theme of cancer during the second phase (Photonarration). The children express themselves through photography and narration. RESULTS: 1498 qualitative productions were made by 381 children aged 6–11 years old. The analysis of these productions of expression and narration through images allowed modelling of determinants of health and cancer as perceived by children through 7 fields and 28 categories. The conceptions of determinants of health and child cancer refer to rationalities that are centred on individual determinants (76%), minimise environmental determinants (20%) and conceal the parameters of access to healthcare and social services (3%). DISCUSSION: These findings provide new data to the international literature on children’s perceptions of determinants of health and cancer. These research findings, which can be applied to interventions and current practices, will enable prevention workers to act more effectively, closer to children’s perceptions and needs.