Advancing community-level health data collection and health impact assessment practices for First Nations in British Columbia, Canada
Date
2024
Authors
Jokinen, Laura Helen Laila
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This dissertation explores the collection and management of community-level health data by a First Nation in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Due to the geographical proximity of their communities and territories, First Nations tend to experience adverse project-related effects associated with on-going industrial development across the province. Despite the growing interest in health impact assessment (HIA) as a means of evaluating how projects influence community health and wellness, little research has focused on the importance of community- level data to achieve this. Chapter 2 utilizes case study research to examine the types of health data collected at the community level and the alignment of this data with community health priorities and industrial development risks. Chapter 3 explores the perspectives of First Nation Department and Project Managers concerning their experiences in data collection and the challenges they encounter. Chapter 4 transitions away from the concept of ‘doing research for the sake of research’ to adopting an applied research approach by translating technical knowledge into a visually-styled information resource for First Nations in B.C. The dissertation concludes by reflecting on the implications of the findings for the field of HIA and First Nation communities, highlighting avenues for future research, practice and overcoming challenges at the local level.
Description
Keywords
Health impact assessment, Indigenous health, Community-level data, Impact assessment, Qualitative research methods