From public health to political epidemiology

Abstract

The term political epidemiology expresses the importance of political and bureaucratic processes in coping with epidemiological information. Political assimilability might well be the overriding consideration when the epidemiological picture of a particular health problem is confused, inadequate, contradictory or a matter of considerable economic import. Australia faces a future based increasingly upon primary resource and mineral development, especially coal, and the epidemiological bases of health impact assessment in these developments will need to be improved and processes of discussion made more open if health considerations are to be given proper scientific and evaluative treatment. Bureaucratic systems often reflect historical compromises between economic, political and environmental health concerns and may hinder some processes of health impact assessment. An Australian case study will be discussed.