Health impact assessment: a case study on renovation of a slaughterhouse

The purpose of this study was to conduct a health impact assessment (HIA) in a community where an old slaughterhouse was to be renovated. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in March, 2011. Questionnaires were used to collect data and focus group discussions were conducted to solicit the community concerns and recommendations regarding the project. The results reveal positive impacts in 4 aspects of health: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. The current substandard slaughterhouse was perceived negatively by the surrounding community. They were happy the slaughterhouse would be renovated, and some preferred it moved elsewhere. This HIA had 2 positive results: first, we tested our HIA tool in a real situation and found it practical on a small scale; second, the municipality obtained the community's opinions and concerns and the community knew their opinions reached the municipality, so they were more positive about the municipality.