Photovoice in engaging communities in cigarette smoking and vaping prevention and cessation: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION Photovoice methodology has been leveraged to amplify community voices in public health interventions, yet less is known about its role in promoting smoking prevention and cessation among diverse populations.This scoping review analyzes key themes across photovoice studies that engage different community groups in smoking cessation education and health programs.We sought to identify how photovoice has been applied as a participatory communication tool and examine its impact on smoking prevention and cessation education. METHODSWe conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed studies published in English before 1 June 2025, using the PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases.Eligible studies used photovoice as the primary method used to explore nicotine-related smoking behaviors within community settings and reported smoking prevention or cessation outcomes.Articles were screened by their title and abstract and full-text, and the data on the study population, photovoice use and methodology, communication goals, and key themes were extracted. RESULTSOf thirty-nine studies identified, twelve met inclusion criteria and primarily involved youth and young adults from marginalized communities.Prominent themes from photovoice usage included cultural and social influences on smoking behaviors, community facilitators and barriers to cessation programs, empowerment and advocacy outcomes, and health education enhancement.Across all studies, photovoice enhanced awareness of marketing influences and social pressures, fostered dialogue about smoking harms, and enabled participants to engage in community advocacy that supported behavioral changes and cessation efforts.However, sustained smoking regulations, tobacco bans, and retailer permits occurred primarily in studies that integrated photovoice with full community-based participatory research frameworks.CONCLUSIONS Photovoice offers a creative and culturally competent outlet that amplifies smoking prevention and cessation among diverse communities by engaging participants in documenting and reflecting on their environmental influences that shape tobacco and vaping use.