ArticleBMC public health2021
Using health impact assessment (HIA) to understand the wider health and well-being implications of policy decisions: the COVID-19 'staying at home and social distancing policy' in Wales.
Article in BMC public health, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers.
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Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed.
- The Impact of Arbaeen Long-Walk on the Health of Pilgrims: A Qualitative Study.Health science reports · 2026Article
- Global priorities in HIA research: a new agenda for the next decade.BMC public health · 2025Article
- Development of a Health Impact Assessment Implementation Model: Enhancing Intersectoral Approaches in Tackling Health Inequalities- A Mixed Methods Study Protocol.HRB open research · 2024Article
- Determining the Public Health Impact of Climate Change: A National Study Using a Health Impact Assessment Approach in Wales.International journal of public health · 2024Article
- Qualitative comparative analysis of policies implemented by 26 European countries during the 2020 great lockdown.Frontiers in public health · 2024Article
- Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) reporting tool: developing a checklist for policymakers.International journal for equity in health · 2023Article
- Implementation of Health Impact Assessment in the Healthcare System of the Republic of Kazakhstan.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Review
- Seeking Good Work in the COVID-19 Recovery: Shifting Priorities and Employment Choices Among Workers.Journal of occupational and environmental medicine · 2023Article
- Household food security access and dietary diversity amidst COVID-19 pandemic in rural Nepal; an evidence from rapid assessment.PloS one · 2023Article
- Predicted and observed impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns: two Health Impact Assessments in Scotland and Wales.Health promotion international · 2022Article
- Facilitators, Barriers and Views on the Role of Public Health Institutes in Promoting and Using Health Impact Assessment-An International Virtual Scoping Survey and Expert Interviews.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Article
- Health and health inequalities impact assessment for non-clinical measures to control COVID-19 in the Basque Country and Navarre (Spain).Journal of public health research · 2022Article
- 'Health in All Policies'-A Key Driver for Health and Well-Being in a Post-COVID-19 Pandemic World.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2021Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundHealth Impact Assessment (HIA) is promoted as a decision-informing tool by public health and governmental agencies. HIA is beneficial when carried out as part of policy development but is also valuable as a methodology when a policy is being implemented to identify and understand the wider health and well-being impacts of policy decisions, particularly when a decision needs to be taken rapidly to protect the population. This paper focusses on a HIA of the 'Staying at Home and Social Distancing Policy' or 'lockdown' in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Wales conducted by the Welsh national public health institute. It describes the process and findings, captures the learning and discusses how the process has been used to better understand the wider health and well-being impacts of policy decisions beyond direct health harm. It also examines the role of public health institutes in promoting and using HIA.
methodsA HIA was conducted following a standard HIA five step process. A literature review was undertaken alongside 15 qualitative semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and relevant health and demographic data were collated. The results were triangulated and analysed to form a holistic assessment of the policy decision and its impacts.
resultsA wide range of major health and well-being impacts of the lockdown in Wales were identified across the determinants of health, which included positive and negative social, economic, environmental and mental well-being impacts beyond the impact on direct health. Populations affected included children and young people, those on low incomes and women as well as those whose health has been directly impacted by COVID-19 such as older people. The work highlighted the benefit that HIA can bring in emphasizing impacts which can inform policy and shared learning with others.
conclusionHIA is a largely underused tool to understand the impact of policy and political decisions, particularly when a decision has been taken at speed. This case study highlights how HIA provide evidence and information for advocacy and further work by public health institutes, health agencies and policy makers.
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