How do you assess the economic impacts of transportation projects and policies on public health outcomes?

Sample interview questions: How do you assess the economic impacts of transportation projects and policies on public health outcomes?

Sample answer:

1. Identify the Relevant Health Outcomes:

  • Begin by defining the specific health outcomes that may be impacted by the transportation project or policy. Examples could include:
    • Air pollution-related illnesses (asthma, respiratory issues)
    • Physical activity levels (obesity, heart disease)
    • Mental well-being (stress, anxiety)
    • Road safety (injuries, fatalities)

2. Collect and Analyze Data:

  • Gather relevant data on the health outcomes of interest, including:
    • Historical data on health indicators in the affected area
    • Demographic information (age, income, ethnicity)
    • Environmental factors (air quality, noise levels)
    • Transportation patterns (traffic volume, mode share)

3. Establish Cause-and-Effect Relationships:

  • Use statistical methods (e.g., regression analysis) to assess the relationship between transportation factors and health outcomes.
    • Control for confounding variables that may influence both transportation and health (e.g., socioeconomic status)
    • Consider both short-term and long-term effects

4. Quantify the Economic Impacts:

  • Estimate the economic costs and benefits associated with the transportation project or policy. Include:
    • Direct costs (construction, maintenance, operation)
    • Indirect costs (congestion, lost productivity)
    • Health care costs (treatment of diseases linked to transportation)
    • Quality-of-life benefits (reduced stress, improved mental well-being)

5. Compare Costs and Benefits:

  • Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to compare the total economic costs and benefits of the transportation project or policy.
    • Consider both tangible (monetary) and intangible (non-monetary) costs and benefits

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Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_4_28/Transportation%20Economist

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