Systematic Review on Evaluation of Health Impact Assessments in Iran: Evolution, Studies and Areas for Improvement

Background & Objective: Health impact assessment (HIA) is used for identification activities and policies that have significant effects on human health. In addition to large projects and plans, it could be contain different fields. The aim of present study was to do a systematic review on available performed HIAs in Iran to express position and pathway which HIA has been passed. Methods: This study is a systematic review which tried to collect all information from scientific databases. We used both English and Persian databases to find any document. Results: Total obtained items were 181 documents which related items with our topics were 95. The number of items in air pollution, occupational cases, petrochemical, noise pollution, urban subjects, health, principles of HIA, and other fields were 48, 7, 2, 2, 9, 3,14 and10, respectively. Conclusion: Health Impact Assessment (HIA) has been required for large development projects by the fifth development plan, however, there is a need to HIA by another fields such as air pollution and urban subjects as they have effects on human health. Presenting such assessment before presentation national health standards requirement of Iran indicates this fact. Thus, we expect from politicians and decision makers to address these issues and apply HIA by other fields alongside assessment of national development projects and plans. By doing so, we can bridge the gap between knowledge and action which may result in health promotion in the society.