Computational Biology Group, Precision Nutrition and Cancer Research Program, IMDEA Food Institute, Madrid, Spain.
Gut Microbes. 2023 Jan-Dec;15(1):2241207. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2241207.
Citizens lack knowledge about the impact of gut microbiota on health and how lifestyle and dietary choices can influence it, leading to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and affecting overall well-being. Participatory action research (PAR) is a promising approach to enhance communication and encourage individuals to adopt healthier behaviors and improve their health. In this study, we explored the feasibility of integrating the photovoice method with citizen science approaches to assess the impact of social and environmental factors on gut microbiota health. In this context, citizen science approaches entailed the involvement of participants in the collection of samples for subsequent analysis, specifically gut microbiome assessment via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We recruited 70 volunteers and organized six photovoice groups based on age and educational background. Participants selected 64 photographs that represented the influence of daily habits on gut microbiota health and created four photovoice themes. Analysis of the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified 474 taxa, and in-depth microbial analysis revealed three clusters of people based on gut microbiome diversity and body mass index (BMI). Our findings indicate that participants enhanced their knowledge of gut microbiome health through PAR activities, and we found a correlation between lower microbial diversity, higher BMI, and better achievement of learning outcomes. Using PAR as a methodology is an effective way to increase citizens' awareness and engagement in self-care, maintain healthy gut microbiota, and prevent NCD development. These interventions are particularly beneficial for individuals at higher risk of developing NCDs.
公民对肠道微生物群对健康的影响以及生活方式和饮食选择如何影响肠道微生物群知之甚少，这导致了非传染性疾病（NCDs）的发生，并影响了整体健康。参与式行动研究（PAR）是一种很有前途的方法，可以加强沟通，并鼓励个人采取更健康的行为，改善他们的健康。在这项研究中，我们探讨了将影像方法与公民科学方法相结合来评估社会和环境因素对肠道微生物群健康影响的可行性。在这种情况下，公民科学方法需要参与者参与样本收集，以便进行后续分析，特别是通过 16S rRNA 基因测序进行肠道微生物组评估。我们招募了 70 名志愿者，并根据年龄和教育背景组织了六个影像小组。参与者选择了 64 张照片，代表了日常生活习惯对肠道微生物群健康的影响，并创建了四个影像主题。使用 16S rRNA 基因测序对肠道微生物组进行分析，确定了 474 个分类单元，深入的微生物分析根据肠道微生物组多样性和体重指数（BMI）将人群分为三组。我们的研究结果表明，参与者通过 PAR 活动提高了他们对肠道微生物群健康的认识，我们发现较低的微生物多样性、较高的 BMI 与更好地实现学习成果之间存在相关性。使用 PAR 作为一种方法是提高公民自我保健意识和参与度、维持健康的肠道微生物群和预防 NCD 发展的有效途径。这些干预措施对那些有更高患 NCD 风险的人特别有益。
