Health Planning

Question 1

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Answer 1

a phone survey to collect state-level data on the prevalence of behavioral risks among adults. For example, the survey asks about smoking and physical activity.

Question 2

Health Disparities

Answer 2

are the differences in the incidence of health conditions and diseases among varying population groups. One example would be a low birth weight health disparity in a certain neighborhood in a city.

Question 3

Health Impact Assessment (HIA)

Answer 3

Uses quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the health consequences of a policy, project or program where health is not the primary objective. For example, the city of Columbus, Ohio’s public health department provides an HIA on each development proposal in the city, which allows the health department to provide critical input on the health impacts of proposed developments.

The major steps in conducting an HIS include
-screening
-scoping (planning the HIA and identifying what health risks and benefits to consider)
- assessment (identifying affected populations and quantifying health impacts of the decision)
- Recommendations (suggesting practical actions to promote positive health effects and minimize negative health effects)
- Reporting (presenting results to decision makers, affected communities, and other stakeholders)
- Monitoring and evaluation (determining the HIAs impact on the decision and health status)