Sport, Health, and Rural Community: Curling and Rural Women: A National Photovoice Study

Determinants of health such as physical activity and social inclusion are key to the health of rural women, the basis of effective health promotion endeavors, and essential for rural community life. This study reports on a national curling and health study conducted with 48 rural women and girls ages 12 to 75 years in three provinces in Canada using the innovative photovoice method. Photovoice, with its inclusion of photos taken by study participants, provides a unique opportunity for pertinent data provision and comprehensive analysis by people living the experience. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of curling on the health and community life of rural women. Study participants took pictures, recorded in log books, and participated in two group sessions to discuss the influence of curling on their health and community. Narrative and pictorial findings reveal important implications for rural women's sport participation; physical, mental, and social health; and the sustainability and development of curling and rural community life. Further research is needed to reveal the significance and address the sustainability of curling and its important contributions to rural health and rural communities. Keywords: curling, rural women, health, rural community, photovoice, Canada