RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Rapid health impact appraisal of eviction versus a housing project in a colony-dwelling Roma community
JF Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
JO J Epidemiol Community Health
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 960
OP 965
DO 10.1136/jech.2006.057158
VO 61
IS 11
A1 Karolina Kósa
A1 Ágnes Molnár
A1 Martin McKee
A1 Róza Ádány
YR 2007
UL http://jech.bmj.com/content/61/11/960.abstract
AB Background: During implementation of a community development project involving a severely disadvantaged Roma community, the community was threatened with eviction. Two scenarios, eviction with placement on the waiting list for social housing versus a replacement housing development, were identified and specified. A health impact assessment (HIA) was carried out to inform subsequent negotiations.Aims: To assess the health effects of eviction in comparison with that of a housing project for a Roma community; to make recommendations on short-term and long-term benefits of the two scenarios in order to inform the local government; and to develop a demonstration HIA that can act as a model for other disadvantaged Roma populations.Method: A prospective assessment, based on a broad model of health, was carried out to assess health effects of a housing project compared with eviction. By design, it ensured full involvement of members of the community, local decision makers and relevant stakeholders.Results and conclusion: This HIA identified numerous positive and some probable negative health effects of a housing project. Despite the uncertainty around some of its predicted effects, the overall health benefit of a housing project clearly outweighed that of eviction. Although the immediate financial advantages of eviction for the municipal government are clear, this example provides further evidence to support the adoption of a statutory requirement to assess both economic and health outcomes. It also provides an example that other Roma communities can emulate.