Elements of an HIA
Interpreting the Graphics
Throughout the site, HIA graphics like the one below are used to summarize the contents, focus, and results of each HIA. Explore the page below for insight into each element of an HIA.
Determinants of Health
HIAs examine the potential health effects or consequences of a proposed policy, program, or project by considering the underlying determinants of health, and the magnitude of impact on health caused by the proposed change. Most HIAs evaluate multiple, interconnected determinants of health in order to provide a rich and balanced assessment of well-being impacts.
Most HIAs on this site examine multiple determinants of health that map to one or more Vital Condition. You will find a short list of determinants of health in the “At a Glance” section of the HIA pages. The HIA graphics indicate the primary or most significant determinant of health referenced by the HIA.
FEATURED
Affected Populations
HIAs examine the potential health effects or consequences of a proposed policy, program, or project to specific priority populations, encompassing diverse groups, communities, demographics, identities, statuses, and lived experiences. Certain population groups may be at greater risk for marginalization and face unique barriers to their health and well-being. .
Priority Populations are used as an organizing framework for the HIAs on this site. They provide a people-centered approach for users to: consider the populations who are affected by the policy, program, or project at hand; prioritize underserved, marginalized or vulnerable populations in the decision-making process; and root HIAs in equity and justice. Most HIAs examine health impacts on multiple priority population groups. You will find these “Affected Populations” listed in the “At a Glance” section of the HIA pages. The HIA graphics indicate the primary or most significant Affected Population examined by the HIA.
Community Types
HIAs have been used in various kinds of communities, including urban, suburban, rural and tribal communities. The HIA process may look different in different community types. The determinants of health and affected populations examined may differ too.
The HIA graphics indicate the community type referenced by the HIA. Some HIAs are applicable to or were conducted in multiple community types. For these HIAs, the HIA graphic will indicate “Various” community types. You will find all community types in which the HIA is applied or conducted listed in the “At a Glance” section of the HIA pages.
Urban
The HIA is applicable or was conducted in urban communities
Suburban
The HIA is applicable or was conducted in suburban communities
Rural
The HIA is applicable or was conducted in rural communities
Tribal
The HIA is applicable or was conducted in tribal communities
Various Community Types
The HIA is applicable or was conducted in various community types
Research Methods
Various research methods have been used with HIAs. Methods include both qualitative and quantitative methods, and utilize primary and secondary data. Most HIAs employ multiple research methods–a mixed methods approach–which enable researchers to develop a well-rounded assessment of health impacts. The methods used in an HIA will be determined by the type of HIA, the existing data available to researchers, and the research questions posed.
Most HIAs on this site employ multiple methods. You will find all methods listed in the “At a Glance” section of the HIA pages. The HIA graphics indicate the primary or most significant method employed by the HIA.
Below is a description of common research methods used with HIA.
Mixed Methods
Literature Review
Survey
Key Informant Interviews
Focus Groups
GIS Analysis
Qualitative Data
Quantitative Data
Primary Data
Secondary Data
EXPLORE HIAs
EXPLORE HIAs
Outcome Statement
The Health Impact Project tracked many HIAs over the years to learn about what happened after the assessment wrapped. Some HIAs on this site include an “Outcome Statement” that describes the impacts and outcomes of the HIA on the policy, program, or project at hand. These can be found near the bottom of the HIA pages. The HIA graphics indicate is an “Outcome Statement” is included on the HIA page.
Has Outcome Statement
The HIA page includes an outcome statement
No Outcome Statement
The HIA page does not include an outcome statement
FEATURED
Vital Conditions
The Vital Conditions are the domains, or components, of The Seven Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being framework which is used for conceptualizing holistic well-being and the factors that give rise to it. Learn More
The Vital Conditions are used as an organizing framework for the HIAs on this site. They provide an easy-to-understand way for users to consider the properties of policies, programs, and projects that people need to be healthy and well. Just as most HIAs examine multiple, interconnected determinants of health, they also touch on multiple Vital Conditions. You will find the Vital Conditions listed in the “At a Glance” section of the HIA pages. The HIA graphics indicate the primary or most significant Vital Condition associated with the HIA.
