How is a health impact assessment defined in practice?

• A. A process to measure only economic impact.
• B. A structured process to estimate potential health effects of a policy, program, or project.
• C. A method to forecast weather impacts on health.
• D. A plan to implement health interventions without assessment.

Answer: (B)

A health impact assessment is a structured process to estimate potential health effects of a policy, program, or project. It looks at how decisions influence health through factors like housing, transportation, employment, education, and the environment, and it uses evidence and stakeholder input to identify both positive and negative health outcomes before decisions are finalized. The goal is to inform and shape choices by offering practical recommendations to maximize benefits and minimize harms, often with steps such as screening, scoping, assessment, recommendations, reporting, and monitoring. This approach is distinct from simply measuring economic impact, forecasting weather-related health changes, or implementing interventions without evaluating health consequences.