Assessing awareness and perceptions of health impact assessment (HIA) among students and young professionals in Spain: An online survey

Abstract

This study assesses the awareness and perception of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) among future practitioners in Spain, including health science and engineering students, and current public health and environmental professionals. Although HIA is recognised worldwide as an important public health tool, our results show that awareness of HIA varies considerably across these groups. Only 14 % (18 out of 129 respondents) reported being familiar with HIA methods. This gap highlights the need for improved educational programmes and the creation of a clear legal framework to support HIA implementation in Spain. In addition, the robust Spanish health system may mask the perceived need for HIA, creating a potential barrier to its wider adoption. By identifying these challenges, our study highlights key aspects for action, including legislative reforms and educational initiatives, to create a favourable environment for HIA practice. Our findings argue for a multidisciplinary approach to health assessment and highlight the need for future research to investigate effective strategies for integrating HIA into the Spanish health system.