HIA uses which methods?

• A. Quantitative only
• B. Qualitative only
• C. Quantitative, qualitative, and participatory techniques
• D. No standard methods

Answer: (C)

Health Impact Assessments rely on a mix of methods to capture both measurable outcomes and the experiences behind them. Quantitative methods provide numerical estimates of how policies or projects might change health outcomes, using data on disease rates, risk factors, and exposures. Qualitative methods explore how people experience potential impacts, uncover contextual factors, and explain the pathways by which a policy could affect health. Participatory techniques actively involve communities, stakeholders, and decision-makers in defining concerns, selecting indicators, and interpreting findings, which strengthens relevance, legitimacy, and buy-in.

Health impacts are complex and shaped by many interacting factors, so relying on a single method can miss important dimensions. Using quantitative, qualitative, and participatory approaches together is standard practice in HIA because it offers a comprehensive view that informs healthier decisions.