Developing environmental health indicators [EHIs] for Iran based on the causal effect model.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Science
• Public Health Policy
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• Environmental health monitoring is crucial for public health systems.
• Translating environmental data into understandable indicators is key for public and policy-maker engagement.
• A framework for an environmental health quality index in Iran is presented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a general framework for formulating an environmental health quality index specific to Iran.
• To simplify complex environmental health data into accessible indicators.
• To improve policy-making and public understanding of environmental health relationships.

Main Methods:

• Expert panel utilized for indicator domain determination and variable selection.
• The Driving force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action (DPSEEA) framework guided variable selection.
• National and international variable lists were consulted for domain-specific data.

Main Results:

• Seven key environmental health domains were identified: air quality, drinking water, sewage disposal, food safety, radiation management, housing, and human settlements.
• Specific numbers of variables were selected for each domain, e.g., 3 for air quality, 8 for water quality, 5 for sanitation.
• The framework provides a structured approach to measuring environmental health across multiple sectors.

Conclusions:

• Determining environmental health indicators using a causal effect model enhances understanding of environment-health links.
• Simplified data presentation improves public comprehension and policy prioritization.
• The study successfully proposed a set of environmental health indicators tailored for Iran.