Proposing a framework for Health Impact Assessment in Iran

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Health Policy

Background:

• Health Impact Assessment (HIA) practices vary globally, with less research in non-Western countries.
• International HIA research indicates technical conduct is influenced by decision-making and policy development contexts.
• This study addresses the need for a tailored HIA framework for Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a conceptual framework for advancing Health Impact Assessment (HIA) planning and practice in Iran.
• To identify and integrate factors influencing HIA in the Iranian context.
• To establish a consensus-based framework for HIA implementation.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review identified core HIA characteristics and principles.
• Key informant interviews (n=14) explored Iranian perspectives on HIA influencing factors.
• An e-Delphi technique confirmed the conceptual framework with participants.

Main Results:

• 91 HIA characteristics were categorized into 20 core concepts.
• Four key concepts—context, actors, HIA principles/policies, and HIA capacities—were identified as major influences on HIA practice in Iran.
• The study highlighted the need to redefine HIA principles, integrate HIA with Environmental Impact Assessment, and determine appropriate HIA levels.

Conclusions:

• Progressing HIA in Iran is influenced by contextual conditions similar to those found internationally.
• The study demonstrates the effectiveness of mixed methods for advancing HIA implementation in various country contexts.
• The developed conceptual framework provides a foundation for enhancing HIA practice in Iran and other non-Western settings.